GREENSBURG – A murder victim had recently appeared in court related to a human trafficking charge, the WBRZ Investigative Unit learned Tuesday evening.

Herbert Graves, Jr., was charged in connection with a case investigated by State Police. It involved a female juvenile from St. Helena Parish, WBRZ reporter Brett Buffington learned from sources close to the investigation.

Graves, 65, was found dead Sunday at his home on Museum Road outside of Greensburg in St. Helena Parish. Deputies released details of the death investigation Tuesday afternoon. Investigators said Graves' truck was stolen.

Family members found Graves dead, deputies said, after checking on him since it had been a few days since they last heard from him. When they arrived at his home, they found a door to the residence open and the truck missing.

An autopsy later confirmed Graves had died from a gunshot wound to the head and crime scene experts believe he was murdered.

Later Tuesday, sources confirmed Graves was arrested in August and was out of jail on bond when he was killed.

Deputies are still looking for the truck, a 2008 Chevrolet, bearing Mississippi plate 1N26V. Anyone with information is urged to contact the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office at (225) 460-1276.

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