[Faline]

Raymond Lemme, an investigator with the Florida Department of Transportation, was found dead on July 1, 2003, in a motel room in Valdosta, Georgia. His death was ruled a suicide by local authorities, but the circumstances surrounding it have been the subject of speculation and controversy.

Lemme was involved in investigating allegations of corruption and fraud, including claims related to electronic voting machine manipulation in Florida. His investigation was gaining attention, and there were claims that he was nearing a significant breakthrough in his case.

The official report stated that Lemme died from self-inflicted wounds, but some aspects of the investigation and the circumstances of his death led to suspicions of foul play. Questions were raised about the thoroughness of the investigation, the handling of evidence, and the quick closure of the case. Supporters of Lemme and some members of the public speculated that his death might have been connected to the investigation he was conducting.

The controversy surrounding Raymond Lemme's death fueled various conspiracy theories, particularly in the context of wider concerns about election integrity and political corruption. Despite the official ruling of suicide, the lack of definitive answers and the peculiarities of the case have kept these theories alive.

The 2 photographs below of the unsigned note, presumably written by Lemme and left on the desk in Room #132 of the Knights Inn. Believed by family members to be in Lemme's handwriting, there is no mention of his only child, a daughter, who was engaged to be married just over two months later. Clint Curtis has said that Lemme spoke all the time about her whenever the two of them met.

Since it is difficult to read the text in the photo above, here is a photocopy of the letter which, unlike the photos on this page, was included in the original Valdosta police report:

In the Valdosta Police report, Det. Shannon Floyd, who took these photographs and reported that "a defect in the camera flash memory cards resulted in no usable photographs. Photographs will not be submitted with this report" also writes that "dried blood was visible on the belt but was not visible on the towel."

Bedroom:

Bathroom counter:

Blood on towel:

Det. Floyd's report says that there were "no signs of foul play" and that she "examined the body for other signs of trauma with negative results."

However, the photographs below, reprinted as they were original posted on the Internet, show a very specific dark patch on the right side of Lemme's neck which appear to be possible substantial bruising.

Razor:

Shower rail:

Right arm:

Lemme:

Below, the versions of these same photographs have been contrast adjusted and slightly darkened. No other changes were made to the photos. In the following versions the apparent bruising is easier to see.

[janet291]

Excellent info and pics!
Great post!!

[Viking64]

I agree with Janet!! Interesting stuff, Kel!!!

[collaredgirl65]

Awesome post with great info.

[Candicelara771]

interesting story, and great pics.

[pyro0351]

Oustanding post and info!

[Craigster]

I live in atlanta about 2 hours north of valdosta. This is a small town not much happening, my guess lack of competence more than cover-up. A case well worth opening up again.

[joethurr]

Extremely good post and write up Kel!..

[sprchrgdtrky]

great post!

[GODREKR]

Nice post Kelly!