Somber Scene as Local Law Enforcement Deal With the Loss of One of Their Own, LIVINGSTON, April 26, 2008 - At approximately 8 pm on April 26, 2008, both Polk County Sheriff's Department and Livingston Police Department were dispatched to the end of Knobhill Road off of Highway 190 just a few miles East of Livingston. The house was the residence of Caran and Randy Coward. In a terrible tragedy, both Caran and Randy Coward were pronounced dead at the scene and it is believed there is a gun involved. An ambulance at the scene unloaded a stretcher only to come back moments later with the stretcher empty and put it back. It appears to be a crime that took place outside as Detective Mark Jones brought in yellow crime scene tape to cordon off an outside section between the garage and the house. Minutes later several local law enforcement officials came walking out of the driveway 1 by 1 as others walked in. As the evening moved on, more and more law enforcement quietly amassed including Sheriff's Deputies, Police Officers, DPS Troopers, and investigators. Officer Curt Riley consoled a young boy at the scene, other officers consoled each other as they tried to deal with the surreal grimness of the night. Lights were brought in to illuminate the scene as Captain Rickie Childers of the Polk County Sheriff's Department investigated the scene outside. As the night progressed, it seemed to grow quieter and more somber. The only thing that could be heard was the quiet engines of late model police cars and occasional distant dogs barking. The body of Caran Coward was transported to Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston shortly after mid-night. As details from this story emerge, PolkCountyToday.com will update as quickly as possible.
