Inman

Popular real estate agent found murdered

An autopsy has revealed that a popular Marion County, Miss., real estate agent died after she was shot in the back of the neck and in the forehead.

Janell Hatton’s body was found Sunday about 20 miles from her home in a community north of Columbia, according to local newspaper reports. Hatton, 63, was found buried in a shallow grave inside a dilapidated livestock barn.

Investigators believe suspects went to her home Saturday to rob her and ended up shooting her twice. Her husband called police about 2:05 p.m. Saturday after he found blood and bullet holes in the couple’s home, The Clarion-Ledger reported. The preliminary investigation shows Hatton was killed at the house and then taken to another location, officials said.

Hatton owned Hatton Real Estate in the Bunker Hill community north of Columbia.

Eight people so far have been charged in Hatton’s slaying. One of the suspects knew Hatton through a business relationship, according to officials.

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