Fayetteville Correspondent Fights For Life After Head Injury

Members of the State Bureau of Investigation and local authorities gathered evidence Friday at the home of 52-year-old Dan Jones, a correspondent for the

Fayetteville Observer

who writes about fishing and hunting. Authorities say Jones' girlfriend found him at his home near Crystal Springs Road Friday morning. They said he had a blunt force trauma to his head that is considered life-threatening.

Authorities say Jones does have a history of seizures and falls, but there is also a history of violence between Jones and a family member. Authorities say the family member has beaten Jones on several occasions.

"We still can't rule out that someone may have done this to him until we get a more detailed interview with the doctor and a better description of his injuries," said Lt. Sam Pennica, of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities are questioning the family member, but the person is reportedly not cooperating with them.

Neighbor David Morris said he does not know what to think, especially after someone claiming to be a concerned friend was going door to door Thursday afternoon.

"A gentleman came around the neighborhood telling us what happened, asking questions. I thought that was kind of weird," he said.

Detectives have not been able to talk with Jones, but they said his home was not broken into. They also said there were no signs of a struggle, and nothing appears to be missing.

Jones has been a guest lecturer at Fayetteville State University for six months. He is also an English teacher who is expected to start teaching during the summer.