The lead investigator in the Jan. 8 death of a Rockmart teen continues to search for new leads and said that ongoing rumors are damaging the case.

Detective David Gowens, with the Rockmart Police Department, said rumors are traveling throughout the community about the death of Desmond Ray Kinne­more, 19, of Rockmart.

Kinne­more’s body was found the morning of Jan. 8 in a ditch along Morgan Valley Road at Second Street in Rockmart. Police were dispatched to the scene after someone called 911 reporting gunshots. Police suspect a shooting as the cause of death, but that will not be official until the Georgia Crime Lab has filed its results from the autopsy.

Gowens said rumors include possible suspects, that some have been arrested, and that there are connections to Kinnemore’s testimony in an upcoming trial.

“We have no witnesses. We’re following leads. We have no suspects. No one has been arrested. That’s it,” Gowens said.

Gowens said he fears that those with valid information will not come forward because of the confusion caused by the rumors.

Gowens did confirm that Kinnemore was involved in some criminal cases, but said so far there is no connection between those cases and his death.

It was reported last night by Atlanta media that Kinnemore’s death may be linked to an upcoming court trial.

“We have no evidence to suggest it had anything to do with any upcoming trial,” Gowens said.

Gowens is asking for anyone with any information on the case to call the Rockmart Police Department at 770-684-5454 and ask for detective David Gowens. All tips will be held in confidence.