Man’s Death Leads To Criminal Investigation In NW OKC

A man's death inside his northwest Oklahoma City home last Friday turned into a criminal investigation this week. Police officials said they did not suspect foul-play in the man’s death and said he likely died of natural causes. The state medical examiner will determine the official cause of death. 

“Really glad to hear there was not foul play or anything,” said Jen Newell, neighbor.   

However, the crime scene tape, cleaning crew and hazmat suits had neighbor Jen Newell uneasy. She could not imagine what else happened inside the home near NW 11th Street and McKinley Avenue. She only knew the man’s first name, Richard.  

“Our first thought was that it was old age,” said Newell. “But then you see all these police cars. You hate to think anything happening to anybody.” 

Officers found the 70-year-old man dead in his home last Friday after a neighbor called for a check. They reported the man's front door was open and there was a bad smell inside. Police said the man's body did not have trauma and co-workers said he was in bad health. 

“Due to the conditions of the house, there was a company that did come to clean up the house,” said Capt. Valerie Littlejohn, Oklahoma City Police Department. 

“While cleaning they located some items of criminal nature inside and contacted police to come back out again on July 28th, yesterday.” 

Littlejohn did not comment on the specifics of the investigation.  

“I’ve seen some bigger stuff like furniture and stuff coming out,” said Newell. “But it’s mostly been trash bags.”   

Officers had to wear hazmat suits because of the home's condition and to sift through piles of trash for evidence. 

“Since the person, the resident of the home is deceased it will be an ongoing investigation,” said Littlejohn. 

Police expect the cleanup crew to be here at the home for a while and said there was not a threat to the community.