POLICE: Death investigation underway in Clay County

CLAY CO., Ind. (WTHI) - UPDATE:

An autopsy was conducted this morning on the male victim of yesterday’s death investigation at 7581 North State Road 59 near Brazil.

The preliminary results of the autopsy indicated the 33-year-old man died of a self inflicted gunshot wound. Toxicology results are pending could take up to two weeks.

The victim had been despondent in recent days and was found deceased on the rear wooden deck of his home around 11:46 p.m. on July 17.

Initial appearance revealed he may have suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Clay County Coroner Joel Reinoehl.

The investigation was a joint effort by the Indiana State Police and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Any questions, please feel free to contact Sergeant Joe Watts.

------------

ORIGINAL STORY:

Multiple police agencies are working together on the death investigation at a residence at 7581 S. State Rd. 59 near Brazil, IN.

At 11:46 p.m. on Tuesday Night, the Clay Co. Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from an acquaintance of the deceased reporting the deceased had been not responding to any calls or any other form of contact.

Clay Co. Sheriff’s Deputies and Brazil City Police officers investigated the residence and discovered the body of a deceased male on the rear wooden deck of the home.

Clay County Coroner Joel Reinoehl pronounced the 33-year-old male victim deceased at the scene after suffering a suspected gunshot wound.

An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday morning (July 19) at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

Foul play is not suspected at this time, but a thorough investigation is underway. More information will be released as it becomes available. The victim’s family has been notified.

If neighbors in the area or person(s) passing by Tuesday evening heard or saw anything out of the ordinary near the residence,  they are urged to call:

• ISP Detective Sam Stearley at (765) 653-4114 or
• Clay County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jerry Siddons at (812) 446-2535, ext. 5

Assisting were ISP Crime Scene Investigators, ISP troopers, Clay County Sheriff Mike Heaton and deputies and Trans Care Ambulance Service.

______________

Release from Indiana State Police