The Pinehurst Police Department received the autopsy report last week. The report states that the death of William Douglas Michael was the result of methadone toxicity.
The report includes a narrative summary of the circumstances surrounding the death written by Moore County Medical Examiner Max Muse as part of his investigation into the death.
The narrative makes it clear that police and the medical community immediately suspected an overdose. Muse states that the 911 call came from a "known drug house" and that he was told it was a "possible overdose."
Michael's death occurred at 245 Longleaf Drive West in Pinehurst. He was a West End resident.
He was found unresponsive at 3:21 p.m. March 26. According to the report, he had last been known to be alive about 2 p.m.
The body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Chapel Hill for the autopsy.
The toxicology report found lethal concentrations of methadone, a synthetic sometimes used to help heroin addicts wean themselves off the drug. It also showed trace amounts of cocaine.
The Pinehurst Police Department said that it has spoken with the District Attorney's Office and that no charges are pending.
Check Friday's Pilot for the full story.
Matthew Moriarty may be reached at 693-2479 or by e-mail at moriarty@thepilot.com.
