I was born and raised in KY, I take no offense at other's perceptions and opinions about areas of KY.
I see that Mr. Sparkman lived in Laurel County KY, not that far away from Clay County.
A thought about when those that don't live there are traveling through and they should be cautious about turning away in someone's driveway. I can understand the sentiment, but I think it is more accurate to say don't travel into the very rural parts, don't go down in the hollars or on private property period. I've seen the same attitudes here in TX. Not picking just...explaining how it is, given that I am from KY. JMHO
As for Mr. Sparkman, if this proves to be a homicide (probably will) then I would think that it wasn't bootleggers. JMHO. I don't see that happening.JMHO
Marijuana harvesters? Yes possibly. Perhaps he stumbled on something shouldn't have seen, and this would not have been some penny ante operation, this would had to have been a huge operation. Given where this was, maybe...JMHO
I would go with Meth lab. It's more common now and a huge problem not just in KY but everywhere. He may have stumbled onto a meth lab and it's owners. That definately would have gotten him hurt or worse. (Look up the history of meth in KY it's interesting). JMHO
What doesn't make sense is his truck was found nearby and his computer was found inside. I can't imagine that any one of the above would not have stolen what was inside the truck and made the truck disappear. You wouldn't believe how easy it is for that to happen in that area of the USA. JMHO
What doesn't make sense is the word "fed" scrawled across his chest. I dont' see it, as an action that would have been taken by a meth lab owner (worker) or marijuana for that matter and definately not a bootlegger. This area of the country may appear to be backwards but they are not for the most part. The era of the Hatfields and McCoys and the characters straight out of O' Brother where art thou is over...JMHO.
I can't wager a guess as to what happened to Mr. Sparkman but I will pray for his family because their loss is horrible.