The man whose burned body was found Jan. 27 in a northwest Ocala backyard died as a result of an accident, and law enforcement has closed the case.
According to a report written by Ocala Police Department Detective Robert Barker, an autopsy showed Courtney Ray Adams, 52, died from an overdose – the combined effects of drugs – and his medical history was a contributing factor.
The Medical Examiner’s Office said in a report that the manner of death was accidental.
In his report, Barker noted that based on evidence collected, it appears Adams fell into the fire after a drug or medical incident and was significantly burned.
Interviews
According to the report, detectives were called to the 700 block of Northwest Eighth Avenue on Jan. 27. Adams’ body was discovered not far from a small burn pile.
Several detectives searched the residence, but did not find anyone.
Barker interviewed a man who said he went to the residence to feed a goat that was in the backyard when he saw Adams.
The man told the detective he had known Adams for 25 years and the victim did yard work for food or money. He said Adams had no issues with anyone, but did have medical issues. He called for medical assistance.
A woman who lives at the home with her children also was interviewed by the detective. She said she saw Adams at the residence about 6 p.m. the day before and asked him to pick up trash from the backyard. She said Adams told her he would do it. The woman said she didn’t smell smoke or see any fire in the yard.
Relatives
A cousin arrived at the location and told detectives that Adams was last seen at a boarding house near Northwest 15th Avenue and 12th Street.
Adams’ mother also showed up and told detectives the last time she saw her son was Jan. 26, when she gave him a ride to the store. She said she dropped him off at a home near Northwest 15th Avenue and Eighth Street.
She and others interviewed by police said Adams has a drug addiction problem and various health issues, according to the report.
A state fire investigator was called to the scene. The official brought a K-9 and searched the area for anything unusual. No accelerants were detected, nor anything suspicious found, the report states.
Aside from the burns, Adams’ body had no obvious signs of injuries or indications he had been in an altercation prior to his death, according to the report.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Death of Ocala man whose burned body was found in yard ruled accidental
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
