- Monday September 29th, 2014 :: 05:28 p.m. EDT
Preliminary Autopsy Results on Sullivan County Death Investigation
Sullivan County—Preliminary autopsy results for a Sullivan County death investigation failed to positively identify the male victim due to partial decomposition of the body. However, the manner of death has been listed as “natural” and the cause of death listed as “diffuse subarachnoid”. Indiana State Police and the Sullivan County Coroner’s Office will attempt to use fingerprints or DNA to confirm the victim’s identity and that could take approximately four weeks. Toxicology results are also pending and could take four to six weeks to complete. The autopsy was completed at Terre Haute Regional Hospital by Pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr. ISP detectives believe they know the identity of the victim, but are awaiting confirmation from the fingerprints or DNA.
On Friday evening, September 26, at 7:09, Indiana State Police detectives were requested by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a death investigation along County Road 1100 North just west of County Road 500 East.
Original investigation leads revealed a neighbor was riding an all-terrain vehicle and noticed a body lying in a dry creek bed approximately 300 yards north of CR 1100 N. The deceased male was fully clothed and appeared to be in his late 50’s or early 60’s. At the time, there were no obvious signs of foul play, but it was not ruled out. Found near the deceased were items commonly associated with drug use.
The case was investigated by ISP Detective Mike Taylor. Assisting were ISP Crime Scene Technician Sergeant Kris Fitzgerald and Detective Tony Guinn, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, and Sullivan County Coroner’s Office.
ISP related questions should be directed to ISP Sergeant Joe Watts. Coroner related questions should be directed to Sullivan County Coroner’s Office at 812-268-4044.
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WATTS
Address/Location
Indiana State Police-Putnamville District 53-Putnamville, IN
1927 U.S. 40
Greencastle, IN 46135
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 765-653-4114
Joe Watts
Public Information Office
[email protected]
765-653-4114