Proposed Newspaper Article

FAMILY SEEKS ANSWERS OFFERS REWARD IN MYSTERIOUS DEATH

On a cold morning, November 23rd 2009, Gerald and Harold Owen of Frozen Creek found their brother Edgar dead in a small shallow creek (Frozen Creek). Edgar Allen Owen was found face down, arms stretched out in front with his pants pockets turned inside out and his wallet missing. His house keys were discovered in his shirt pocket. Edgar’s truck was parked close to where his body was found.

Harold Owen placed a 911 call to report the finding and Rosman Rescue Squad and the Transylvania Sheriff’s Office responded. Edgar’s house keys were found in his shirt pocket. According to the Sheriff’s office the initial 911 call reported a vehicle accident with a related fatality. Harold denies making such a call. Responders found no evidence of a vehicle accident. So far despite requests the family has not received a transcript or copy of the 911 call(s).

Edgar’s body was taken to Transylvania Regional Hospital where an on-duty Medical Examiner, Dr. Charles D. Lefler of Brevard examined the body. After consulting with law enforcement personnel, Dr. Lefler announced that Edgar had died of accidental drowning. The best information that the family could obtain, despite repeated requests was that absent gunshot, knife wounds or other obvious evidence of foul play that the death was an accident. Family members were not interviewed and neighbors and initial reporters were not questioned.

The family has exhausted efforts trying to get a basis for the conclusion of drowning. An autopsy was considered not necessary by Dr. Lefler. The family repeatedly tried to reach Dr. Lefler for information regarding his determination or conclusion of accidental drowning without results. Two of Edgar’s sisters visited his office and attempted to pay for an appointment to get information and were refused an audience with Dr. Lefler. Several phone calls and emails went unanswered. A complaint was filed with the North Carolina State Medical Board regarding the doctor’s conduct. Family members just recently found that the clothing and shoes that Edgar was wearing was discarded. The family had made many inquiries trying to locate Edgar’s effects.

An official request for disclosure of public information has been filed with Dr. Lefler citing the North Carolina Public Information law with no response or acknowledgment from Dr. Lefler to date. Requests have been made to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (Dr. John Butts) for copies of the toxicology results and for a copy of the Medical Examiner’s report. Family members were told by Sheriff representatives that unless they could come up with evidence to the contrary the death determination of “accidental” would stand. The family is considering legal action to obtain public information from Dr. Lefler.

The family rejects the finding of “accidental drowning” and points to several “red flags” they feel were ignored or not investigated by law enforcement or the Medical Examiner. Law enforcement states that they saw no “red flags”

· A shallow water drowning is rare especially in cold fall and winter months.
· The stretched out arm position of the body is not normal for drowning victims.
· Edgar’s pockets turned inside out with his wallet missing.
· Head and body injuries not given proper weight.
· Edgar’s keys found in a shirt pocket instead of his pant’s pocket.
· On the scene tests such as the “eye test” to determine death prior to submersion not conducted.
· No conclusive medical tests conducted or disclosed to back up a drowning diagnosis.
· Family members and neighbors not questioned for patterns/evidence
· Photographs showing head injuries reported to law enforcement who showed initial interest but so far has not examined the photographs.
· No questioning of known unsavory characters who hung out around Edgar trying to get part of his monthly social security check.
· Edgar’s clothing and shoes discarded.
· Edgar grew up and lived 67 years alongside the shallow creek he supposedly drowned in.
· No investigation conducted to determine why Edgar was even in the area where his body was found.

The family has contacted the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) trying to get a professional investigation conducted. SBI responded that they could only get involved if the District Attorney requests that they do so. The family has contacted DA Jeff Hunt and requested that he request an SBI investigation. The DA has not responded whether or not he will request SBI involvement.

The family vows that they will not rest until Edgar’s death has been fully investigated and perpetrators brought to justice. They feel strongly that Edgar was robbed and placed in the creek after he was already dead. To that end they announce that they are offering a $2500 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for Edgar’s death.