Those on the scene reported that the body had been submerged in the ditch for an indeterminate length of time. Cpt. Duke wouldn't comment on the timeframe or cause of the unknown person's death, though some at the scene said the body had most likely been there for quite some time.
UPDATE 11-14-08: The body has been identified as that of Orlando Woods, 29, of Marion, AL. Woods was released from the Dallas County Jail on October 6th. It was the last time he was seen alive.
According to police, Woods suffered blunt force trauma. His death has been classified as a suspected homicide by the Selma Police Department.