FAYETTE COUNTY — The Fayette County coroner has ruled the death of a 56-year-old rural Brownstown man a homicide.

James Skinner, who lived on Illinois Route 185 outside Brownstown, was pronounced dead at his home by Coroner Bruce Bowen at 5:24 p.m. on Sunday. Bowen had been called to the scene by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.

The coroner’s office and Illinois State Police are investigating.

According to Bowen, it’s obvious that someone took Skinner’s life; however, he will not release the cause of his death at this time.

Bowen says more information about the investigation would be released as it becomes available.

He described Skinner as a cattleman, involved in the raising and transport of cattle.