Family believes Bloomington man found dead on Owen County road was murdered

OWEN COUNTY, Ind. – Detectives continue to investigate how a Bloomington man was found dead on the side of a country road near the border of Owen and Monroe counties.

The body of 23-year-old Malik Sims was found on Stephenson Road on Monday afternoon after a passerby saw it and called 911.

At this time, sheriff’s deputies are only talking about a death investigation, but his family believes he was murdered and his body was dumped there.

Sims’ family said the first sign of trouble was when he didn’t come home Sunday night and no one could reach him. His roommate was able to track his phone down the rural gravel road.

“He went to the scene and when he got there, there were police and yellow tape,” said Sims’ mother, Kelley Williams. “You could tell by the identification marks that it was my baby.”

Some friends and family told FOX 59 that Sims was shot and left to die in the area.

However, Sims’ official cause of death is pending an autopsy scheduled for Thursday. Owen County Coroner Shelby Hershberger said it could take several weeks for toxicology results to be available.

Williams said her son was compassionate and kind and always cared for his family members, including his younger sister, who battled cancer for a time.

“He was here throughout her entire treatment,” Williams said through tears. “He was the kind of person who would do anything to make people happy.”

Since his death, she has seen numerous social media posts and received numerous messages about the impact her son had on so many people. She said that’s what makes his death even more puzzling for those who knew him.

“I can’t believe whatever happened to him,” William said. “Someone left him out there, you know, and that’s awful. It’s awful that he was taken away.”

While they wait for answers to their many questions, Sims’ family and friends are asking anyone who knows anything to come forward.

“The fact that he was forgiven when he was so good – that hurts,” Williams said. “Talk, just talk. Say something.”

Anyone with information about Sims’ case is asked to contact Sergeant Detective Nathan Martin at 812-829-5757.