Suspected killer remains in coma
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The suspected murderess, Jeri Bryant, 55, was unconscious and in critical condition at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville when officers went to her room to take her statement. The former Sunday School teacher has been under treatment since she took an overdose of pills last Friday, nearly a week after her ex-husband first went missing.
Doctors reportedly expect her to live, although there could be physical complications caused by the heavy dose of unknown drugs.
Officers say they will wait until she is lucid and able to communicate understandably before trying to question her as her statement could be used in court at a later date. No charges have been taken in the case, although investigators are quick to point out Mrs. Bryant, who became divorced just two weeks before the murder, is their prime suspect.
According to people who knew the Bryants, Mrs. Bryant went through obvious changes in the six months leading up to the murder. Once an loyal church-goer and Sunday School teacher at nearby Mt. Elim Baptist Church, she stopped attending services and lost a tremendous amount of weight, up to 60 pounds according to some sources. Friends also noted Mrs. Bryant, who was at one time a sharp dresser, began dressing shabbily and became reclusive in the months leading up to the murder.
As investigators wait for Mrs. Bryant to recover enough to make a statement, the task force of agencies looking into the case continue to collect evidence. Among the items now in their possession is the .22 caliber rifle they suspect may have been used to kill Furlon Bryant, whose partially burned, dismembered and decomposed body was found atop a hill where his remains had been covered by brush. He had been missing since June 6 and was found by searchers Monday morning.
According to District Attorney General Dale Potter, final autopsy results could take a while due to the deterioration of the body, which remains under examination by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Bruce Levy. Potter said lawmen do know the victim was shot, probably multiple times, based on evidence already found. However, it could be a while before an exact cause of death is confirmed given the fact there was evidence of burning and dismemberment, which could have happened either before or after death.
While the case remains in limbo awaiting the prime suspect’s version of events, a memorial service will be held for Mr. Bryant at Love-Cantrell & Cope Spencer Chapel Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.