WILLIAMSON COUNTY — The Williamson County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the apparent beating death of a 40-year-old Lockport man.

Williamson County Coroner Junior Burke has identified the victim as Chad Jones.

According to the sheriff’s department, they received a 9-1-1 call around 2 o’clock Friday morning.

The caller reported finding a man, now identified as Jones, lying on the ground outside a pickup truck in the 400 block of North Bush Avenue in Hurst.

Reports say Jones appeared badly beaten, and was transported to the Herrin Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into Jones’ death, which they are calling a homicide.

Persons of interest have been identified, located and are currently being interviewed by detectives.

The Williamson County Coroner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy for later today.

The sheriff’s office will release further information after the autopsy is completed.