BEEVILLE — Bee County Sheriff's Office deputies have confirmed that they are investigating the Wednesday shooting death of a Bee County man.

The victim’s body was found on a rural road east of the U.S. Highway 181 Bypass. The death is being treated as an apparent homicide.

Bee County Sheriff Carlos Carrizales Jr. identified the victim Wednesday afternoon as 54-year-old Brien Hickman.

The victim was a well-known member of the community and a rancher.

A release from Carrizales said Hickman was found dead on his property and that he had suffered a single gunshot wound “sometime during the early morning hours of Sept. 26.”

Investigators, including Texas Rangers and a special ranger with the Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, were looking into the incident.

According to the sheriff’s statement, BCSO Deputy Investigator Adam Levine reported that evidence at the scene indicates that the death was a homicide.

The sheriff assured residents that all leads are being followed to the “fullest extent.”

Investigators are asking that anyone who might have any information that could lead to an arrest contact the BCSO at 361-362-3221 or the Coastal Bend Crime Stoppers organization at 361-362-0206.

Long-distance callers may reach the Crime Stoppers toll-free at 877-362-0206.

Internet users may email Crime Stoppers at coastalbendcrimestoppers.com.

Witnesses do not need to identify themselves to collect a reward.

Gary Kent is a reporter at the Bee-Picayune and can be reached at 358-2550, ext. 120, or at reporter@mySouTex.com.