East Texas

By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer

FLINT — Authorities continue interviewing people about the July 4 death of a 20-year-old man and his dog, but admit they need help in solving the crime.

“We don’t have a whole lot to go on at this point,” Smith County Sheriff’s Lt. Larry Wiginton said about the death of Dex Bailey McLean.

McLean was found by his parents shortly after 3:30 a.m. Saturday in their home in the 14700 block of Harbor Way Drive in the southern part of the county, according to Smith County Sheriff’s Office investigators.

The family dog, a chocolate Labrador retriever, was also killed in the attack.

McLean’s parents, who own Teasers, returned home and found the body. Authorities said the 20-year-old suffered head wounds and was transported to Southwest Forensics Laboratory in Dallas for autopsy. The family dog was found in the back yard.

Smith County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Randy Meadows said the death could have happened during a burglary of the home.

Authorities have said there has been no connection made to the strip club, but added detectives are investigating leads and still conducting interviews with those who knew the victim.

According to Smith County judicial records, McLean was jailed in June for possession of marijuana.

Wiginton said Wednesday that officials need anyone with information about the homicide to contact the Smith County Sheriff's Office at 903-566-6600 or the Tyler/Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833.