No Suspects Named In Auto Salvage Slaying

"Cooperative" is how Vanderburgh County Sheriff Eric Williams describes auto salvage owner Bill McDaniel in the wake of a murder that apparently unfolded in the office of his west side business. Late Friday morning, dispatchers received a 911 call from a man who identified himself as Bill McDaniel, owner of McDaniel Auto Salvage on Middle Mt. Vernon Road. The caller told a 911 operator, "I think someones dead out here." The caller then named the victim as Randy Choate. Choate, 49, of Evansville, bled to death after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. He was found in the office at McDaniel Auto Salvage on Middle Mt. Vernon Road. He and McDaniel had known each other for years, according to McDaniels sister Joyce Clemons. Choate and McDaniel worked together, and according to Clemons, could be at each others throats one day, and be best friends the next. She said her brother "doesnt have it in him" to kill anyone. McDaniel was questioned by investigators and released. He is not a suspect in the murder. What exactly happened at the auto salvage yard remains something of a mystery now. Choate was laid to rest Monday morning. Some in the funeral trades believe his burial was extremely hasty. Investigators say they are open to tips from the public. McDaniels sister says there were always people coming and going from the rural salvage yard. Its a point McDaniel reiterated in his 911 call, saying he was expecting a customer at the yard Friday to look at an engine part