Police: Detectors were disabled in suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
The carbon monoxide detectors were disabled in a Butler home where three people were found dead Tuesday, Jan. 7, police said in a news release issued Thursday.
Police identified the deceased as Thomas Reges, 62, Wendy Schettig, 48, and Jimmy Anderson, 69. Reges and Schettig were from Butler, and Anderson was from Virginia.
According to police Chief Robert O’Neill, the Butler Bureau of Fire detected “extremely high” levels of carbon monoxide inside the residence at 109 College St.
“Detectives learned that the residence had carbon monoxide detectors but they were disabled, possibly by the residents,” he said.
The chief said carbon monoxide poisoning is “highly suspected” as the cause of death for the three deceased people, but toxicology reports could take six weeks to confirm the suspicion.
The coroner’s office also stated that the cause and manner of death for the affected individuals was not immediately available, pending toxicology reports.
Police said they responded to the address regarding a report of a deceased person, and upon arrival, carbon monoxide poisoning became an immediate suspicion for cause of death.
When the city’s fire department arrived and checked the residence, they found two other people had died.
Police said two more individuals were transported to Allegheny General Hospital and are in stable condition.
Another individual had visited the residence a few days prior and received treatment at a hospital.
“At that time, the injured party was unaware of what caused his illness,” O’Neill said. “He is released and in good condition.”
Police said the owner and residents are cooperating with the investigation and the house is currently uninhabited.
Police ensured that there was no larger gas leak issue and that the area and residents are safe.
