Police Release Sketch In Hammer Attack

PALMETTO, Ga.,None — Police released a sketch on Tuesday of a man suspected in a south Fulton County home invasion that left a World War II veteran dead.

Detectives are hoping the image produces new clues in the death of 86-year-old Lennon Parrott.

Police said Parrott was able to speak before he died and told them the suspect claimed his car broke down, forced his way into the house and beat him with a hammer.

86-Year-Old Man Beaten, Dies Of Injuries

The attacker took Parrott's wallet with $20 and two phones, according to police. After the man left, Parrott crawled to the door and screamed for help.

Channel 2s Tom Jones talked to a man who found Parrott battered and bruised on the doorstep of his home on Locke Street in Palmetto.

"I just heard him. I just heard his voice hollering ‘Help, help, help!'" the neighbor said.

The neighbor told Jones that Parrott told him, "I messed up and let him in. When I let him in he had a claw hammer."

Palmetto police said the attacker hit Parrott several times with the hammer then kicked him, breaking the femur bone in Parrott's leg. Parrott was in the hospital since the attack on April 21 until his death last week.

Police said they're not sure right now if the beating caused his death. Detectives are waiting for the results of an autopsy.

"There's a possibility. But then there's another possibility Mr. Parrott might have died of natural causes," Palmetto Sgt. Lee Gragg said.

The attacker could face murder charges if Parrott died from complications from the attack, police said.

Palmetto police urged anyone with information about the attack to call 770-463-9068.

WSBTV