HAMILTON (November 19, 2009)—The Texas Rangers have joined Hamilton County sheriff’s deputies in the investigation of the shooting death of a man who called 911 earlier this month to report he had a prowler on his property and who was found dead this week after deputies returned to his rural home to follow up on the original complaint.

Robert Renick, 66, had been shot to death.

Renick called 911 at around 7 a.m. on Nov. 7 and reported there was a prowler on his property on County Road 616 and said he had been hit in the leg by birdshot.

The deputies who responded found evidence that conflicted with the account that Renick provided in the 911 call and told him they would be back in touch.

They tried to call him on Nov. 10, but didn’t get an answer.

He had told them that he didn’t have a cell phone and that he would be in and out of town, so they didn’t check further, but on Tuesday, two deputies drove out to Renick’s home and found his vehicle there.

They walked around the property and discovered the back door of Renick’s home was open.

His body was lying in the inner doorway.

Investigators at this point think it’s possible the shooting death is related to the earlier incident.

“I don’t believe in coincidences,” investigator Joe Lorette said.

Investigators said they’re interviewing several people, but said they haven’t identified a suspect or come up with a motive for the shooting.