( CNN ) -- A Kentucky census worker who was found dead in September committed suicide and staged the scene to look like a homicide , authorities said Tuesday . The body of William E. Sparkman Jr. , 51 , was found September 12 near a cemetery in southeastern Kentucky 's Clay County . He was wearing only socks . `` A thorough examination of evidence from the scene , to include DNA testing , as well as examination of his vehicle and his residence , resulted in the determination that Mr. Sparkman , alone , handled the key pieces of evidence with no indications of any other persons involved , '' Kentucky State Police said . Sparkman 's wrists were bound with duct tape , and a rope around his neck was tied to a tree , but his body was touching the ground , authorities said . He had `` Fed '' written on his chest in black ink . However , Sparkman 's wrists were loosely bound in front of his body at shoulder width apart , allowing for `` considerable mobility , '' said Kentucky State Police Capt . Lisa Rudzinski . He was also in contact with the ground , `` almost on his knees , '' she said . `` To survive , all Mr. Sparkman had to do was stand up . '' Lividity on the body -- marks made as blood stops pumping and settles in areas of the body -- showed that Sparkman died in the same position , Rudzinski said . His glasses were taped to his head , and that tape was underneath tape that held a rag in his mouth , she said . `` Mr. Sparkman had extremely poor eyesight '' and so would have needed his glasses secured , Rudzinski said . But the most compelling evidence came from the fact that Sparkman had obtained $ 600,000 in accidental-death insurance , which would not have paid in the event of a suicide , as late as May , she said . In addition , he told a `` credible witness '' of his plans to commit suicide and stage the scene to make it look like he was slain because he worked for the federal government . The details were consistent with how Sparkman died and was found , Rudzinski said . The witness did not take action after Sparkman shared his plans out of a belief that he would not follow through , authorities said . `` It was learned that Mr. Sparkman had discussed recent federal investigations and the perceived negative attitudes toward federal entities by some residents of Clay County , '' Kentucky state police said in a statement . Police believe that Sparkman 's primary motive in staging the scene was to ensure that the insurance would be paid , Rudzinski said . His motive for committing suicide or any secondary motives might never be known , she said , as Sparkman left no note . `` We do n't know what Mr. Sparkman was thinking or why he ultimately committed this act , '' she said . Autopsy results showed no evidence of any cancer or terminal illness , officials said , although it was reported that Sparkman had previously had lymphoma . Police would not say who the beneficiary of the insurance was . Forensic analysis of the writing on Sparkman 's chest showed that he had written it himself , Rudzinski said . Analysts found ink dots , made by writers on completing a letter , at the top of the letters , rather than at the bottom -- as would be expected if someone had made the writing on Sparkman . Despite a search by authorities , the black felt pen used for the writing has not been found . Police do not believe that anyone assisted Sparkman , she said . Sparkman had told the witness , whom police declined to name , that he intended to dispose of some of his personal effects , including his laptop computer and other items . Police have not found those items , Rudzinski said . Toxicology tests showed that Sparkman was not drugged or under the influence of any substance , she said . The red rag removed from his mouth was similar to those found in his pocket and at the scene . DNA testing of the rags and the rope used in creating a ligature on Sparkman 's neck , as well as 7 feet of discarded rope discarded near his body , found only Sparkman 's DNA , she said . The police investigation is still open , and additional test results are expected in the next two to three weeks , authorities said . Authorities met with Sparkman 's son and told him of their findings before publicly releasing them . `` Our hearts go out to him , '' Rudzinski said . `` He still lost his father at the end of the day . '' She would not say whether his son accepted the findings , saying she did not want to speak for the family .
Census worker staged scene to ensure insurance policy would be paid , police say . Police : William Sparkman told `` credible witness '' of plans to stage suicide . Sparkman , 51 , was found dead in September with rope around neck but body touching ground . Sparkman had `` Fed '' written on his chest ; police say he wrote it himself .