ASHTON — A dead body’s identity remains a mystery.

At 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning deputies with the Mason County Sheriff’s Department discovered a dead body on Barton Chapel Road, which is located in the southern end of the county near Ashton.

According to Mason County Sheriff David Anthony, the investigation is continuing as the identity has not yet been discovered. However, Anthony said that he suspects foul play led to the individual’s death. The West Virginia State Police Crime Scene Unit also assisted in the investigation. Capt. Peterson is serving as the investigating officer.

Anthony said that the case was a top priority for the sheriff’s department and that he hopes to have the body identified as soon as possible. He encouraged anyone who may have information regarding the body to call the sheriff’s department at (304) 675-3838.

Earlier this month, Charles Ray “Bubby” Denny of Point Pleasant was reported missing. His body was recovered on Monday, Oct. 12 at an accident scene along Ripley Road. Denny’s Ford Explorer was found at the bottom of an embankment. According to Anthony, it appeared that Denny died as a result of the alleged single-vehicle accident.

Denny’s body was released to the state medical examiner’s office in Charleston, however the exact cause of death was still unknown as of press time.