The autopsy and toxicology report revealed an Orange County man died from a drug overdose before being found inside his car in a rural area of the county.
North Carolina’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner recently completed its autopsy on John Logan Bell III and made the determination. According to the report written by Dr. Craig Nelson, Bell died from “acute cocaine, fentanyl and methadone intoxication” found in his bloodstream.
The report also said markings found on the body were consistent with investigators’ belief that Bell may have been moved following his death. The autopsy said the body had “multiple anterior and posterior superficial abrasions” but that “no trauma caused or contributed to his death.”
Deputies of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office found Bell, who was 53, in the backseat of his car following a suspicious vehicle report on May 14. According to the medical examiner’s report, needles were also found in the vehicle’s backseat.
Following an investigation, authorities arrested Charles Alan Berry of Rougemont on a concealment of death charge in connection to Bell’s death. Berry was released from the Orange County Detention Center on bond June 11.
Photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
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