Oneonta Fire Death investigated as a Homocide

The death of a 66-year-old Oneonta man found in a burning home Monday night is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Blount County District Attorney.

Donald Clayton Whited was found in a burning house in the 3900 block of Ebell Street in Oneonta after firefighters were called to the scene just before 7:30 p.m. Monday, Blount County Coroner John Mark Vaughn said.

Vaughn said a determination of Whited's cause of death is still pending and his body has been sent to Huntsville for an autopsy.

Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey confirmed Tuesday night that Whited's death is being investigated as a homicide.

Casey did not confirm details on Whited's cause of death, but law enforcement sources have said he was found with his hands tied and that he had suffered a gunshot wound.