Wetzel Death Called Homicide
By GABE WELLS Staff WriterNEW MARTINSVILLE - A man found dead Sunday in woods near his New Martinsville home was alive until at least Dec. 29, a detective investigating the homicide said today.
The body of Michael Ryan II was found at 1:19 p.m. Sunday in a hollow at the end of Mary Street, according to New Martinsville Police Department Detective Donnie Harris. The body of the 41-year-old, Mary Street resident was sent to the West Virginia Medical Examiner's Office in Morgantown, and Davis said Ryan's autopsy may be complete today.
Harris said Ryan's body was found by a Steel Valley Search and Rescue team. The detective said the man was reported missing Friday by his family, but family members had not seen him since Dec. 23. However, Harris said he can prove that Ryan was alive and in New Martinsville as late as Dec. 29.
Harris said he does not know why Ryan was not in contact with his family from Dec. 23 until the time of his death.
The detective said the scene in which Ryan's body was recovered "looked suspicious," but he declined to comment on whether it appeared Ryan went to the wooded area on his own or if he was left there.
Harris confirmed Ryan did have some recent health issues. The detective also said Ryan had a criminal history.
"Until we can prove otherwise, (homicide) is what we consider it," Harris said. "...He had been having seizures. That in itself may be suspicious as well.
"...Mainly just alcohol-type stuff," the detective added when asked about Ryan's criminal past.
Harris said investigators still hope to speak with anyone who may have seen Ryan alive after Dec. 29. The detective said anyone with information is asked to call the New Martinsville Police Department at 304-455-9100.
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wvstepmom
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01-06-09 7:21 PM
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Today's news (Tuesday evening) revealed that Mike's death was an accident due to a medical condition. It's a shame -- no one should have to die alone like that. And, why would the NM police think it was relevant to say that he had a criminal history? When they originally thought it was a homicide, he was supposed to be the victim. It turns out that his death had nothing to do with criminal activity. I think the police officer may owe Mike's family an apology for even bringing that up in the interview.
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