Top Stories

BY KELLI PEACOCK DUNN
News Editor

According to a report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement into the investigation of the April 4 death of Tranum McLemore, his wife was found to be deceptive about one thing in their interview process - her extramarital relationships.

Winter McLemore painted the picture of a jealous husband with no reason to be jealous in an interview with FDLE investigators May 29. "Winter stated that she was not having an affair before Tranum's death and not after his death, and that Tranum had been accusing her since January of having an affair," the investigator stated in his report, adding that she noted, "...she goes to church, takes care of her children and does 'not do that sort of stuff.'"

However, three weeks later, when confronted with phone records subpoenaed by investigators, her story changed. Winter was asked about exchanging over 500 text messages with a Bristol man the week prior to her husband dying. She reportedly stated the man was a longtime friend who had recently divorced and she just wanted to get the name of his divorce attorney. When pressed further, she eventually confessed to romantic activities with him after her husband's death. She further confessed to being involved with another Bristol man since January - as Tranum suspected - and admitted the relationship was still ongoing, but the man "had a lot to lose" since he was married.

According to FDLE interviews, Winter McLemore passed a polygraph test, denying any involvement in her husband’s death.

Both men were interviewed and eliminated as potential suspects.

It was noted both Tranum and Winter’s vehicles were sold shortly after his death. The vehicles were located, seized and examined, but nothing of evidentiary value was discovered.

BY KELLI PEACOCK DUNN
News Editor

It appears the mystery into the April 4 death of Blountstown Middle School coach Tranum McLemore will remain just that - a mystery.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released an investigative report this week, concluding that the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office initial findings of suicide were not conclusively determined. However, evidence at this time does not support findings of homicide either.

“The FDLE is closing its investigation of this matter at this time,” the report concluded. “However, in the event that new evidence is presented or becomes available at some point in the future, the FDLE will examine any such information and make a determination regarding the reopening of this investigation.”

As previously reported by The County Record, McLemore, 35, died following an alleged domestic dispute with his wife, Winter, at their home on Hoecake Road in Bristol. Winter fled to the Sheriff’s Office, saying she heard shots as she left. The LCSO immediately concluded the death was a suicide. However, family members question how a suicide could be determined so quickly when six shots were fired from McLemore’s Ruger 9MM semi-automatic pistol. He was pierced by bullets in three places - his shoulder, leg and head.

Check out this week's print edition for more details. Due to the fact The County Record received the extensive report just prior to press time Tuesday morning, e-alerts will be issued this evening on items not included in the print edition.