Warrants: Drug Growing Tools in Home of Slain Elderly Man

Raleigh, N.C. — Search warrants show that police found marijuana growing tools in a Raleigh home, where a retired state worker was shot to death in December.

Forensics evidence revealed signs that Albert Imes, 63, shot at people who tried to force their way into his home at 1229 Somerset Road on Dec. 12, 2007. Police responding to a 911 call found Imes' body around 3:30 a.m. that day.

Investigators later seized marijuana growing tools from the house.

Two days after the shooting, police arrested Imes' wife and son, for delivering and selling drugs from the home. Lina Imes, 63, and Michael Imes, 31, were charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana.

A week prior to Imes' death, Michael Imes was carjacked at the address, neighbors told reporters, though police have said they cannot confirm who the victim of that crime was. It was unclear if that incident has anything to do with the murder investigation.

Detectives previously said they do not believe the killing of Imes, a retired state worker, was random.