Man arrested after body found in barrel near home

VALLEY HEAD, Ala. – A north Alabama man is charged with murder after investigators found a body buried in a 55-gallon drum behind his home.

News outlets reported Monday that DeKalb County authorities received a tip about a possible slaying and went to the home of 22-year-old Marcus Gordon Ricketts in Valley Head.

Authorities say Ricketts led deputies to a body that was buried nearby in a steel drum sealed with concrete.

Authorities haven’t released the name of the victim, but a statement from DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris says the person has been missing since May and a missing person report was filed.

Court records aren’t available to show whether Ricketts has a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.