RICHLAND, Wash. – UPDATE 5:15 p.m.
Benton County Coroner Bill Leach has identified the man found burned inside the portable restroom at the Chamna Natural Preserve as Richard Scott, 56, from the Richland area.
Leach said initial autopsy results indicate injuries not consistent with a homicidal act with additional test results still to come.
Thermal burns to his body could have played a role in Scott’s death, Leach said.
Soot was discovered in Scott’s nostril and throat prompting the coroner’s office to request test results from the crime lab to confirm or rule out carbon monoxide poisoning, Leach added.
Those results aren’t expected for another 3-4 weeks.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: February 19
An autopsy is planned for a body found burned inside a portable restroom on the Chamna Natural Preserve in Richland.
According to Richland Fire Battalion Chief Brenda Rodgers, fire crews responded to a medical call at the 276 acre park at 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19.
Since the investigation is now in the hands of the Richland Police Department, Rodgers could not comment further on the details of the fire.
County Coroner Bill Leach, however, said the discovery of the body was made after the fire was put out.
An autopsy is planned for Friday, Leach said.
