Autopsy Reveals Cause of Death for Woman Found Dead in Firefighter's Home
Mar 08, 12:00 PM
The mystery surrounding the death of Sarah Kathleen Sweeney, 39, found deceased in a firefighter's home in the Village of Westwood near Frontenac on Jan. 13, has taken a significant step forward as the St. Louis County Medical Examiner completed her autopsy.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Gershom Norfleet determined that Sweeney's cause of death was "Oxycodone, Gabapentin, and Diphenhydramine Intoxication," though the manner of death remains "Undetermined." According to the official report released by Frontenac PD, Sweeney was discovered with no apparent signs of trauma, and the investigation suggests she was alone at the time of her death.
In response to the findings, the Sweeney family issued a statement expressing gratitude for the investigative efforts. "Our family has complete confidence in the thorough investigation made by the St Louis County Medical Examiner's office and the Frontenac Police Department," they said. "We'd like to thank them for their hard work on this case, and for their kindness and compassion when communicating with us."
Acknowledging the ongoing police investigation, the family urged privacy, stating, "Our hope is to close this chapter of our lives soon so that we can grieve, move on, and continue to honor the memory of our Sarah."
Days after Sweeney's tragic demise, her attorney revealed that she battled severe health conditions, including a life-threatening bone disorder and mast cell activation disorder. These conditions shed light on potential factors contributing to her death, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Complicating matters further, the home where Sweeney was found deceased had a troubling history. It belonged to a man whose fiancée, Grace Holland, died of a single gunshot wound to the head two years prior. While police initially classified Holland's death as a suicide, her family harbored concerns about the investigation's integrity.
Through their attorney, Holland's family had called for a meticulous examination into Sweeney's death, citing lingering doubts stemming from Holland's case. However, no charges or arrests have been made in connection with Sweeney's death, and the firefighter's identity and department remain undisclosed.
Despite inquiries, Frontenac police have yet to provide additional information regarding the ongoing investigation. As the community awaits further developments, questions linger surrounding the circumstances of Sarah Kathleen Sweeney's untimely demise, leaving loved ones seeking closure and justice.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Gershom Norfleet determined that Sweeney's cause of death was "Oxycodone, Gabapentin, and Diphenhydramine Intoxication," though the manner of death remains "Undetermined." According to the official report released by Frontenac PD, Sweeney was discovered with no apparent signs of trauma, and the investigation suggests she was alone at the time of her death.
In response to the findings, the Sweeney family issued a statement expressing gratitude for the investigative efforts. "Our family has complete confidence in the thorough investigation made by the St Louis County Medical Examiner's office and the Frontenac Police Department," they said. "We'd like to thank them for their hard work on this case, and for their kindness and compassion when communicating with us."
Acknowledging the ongoing police investigation, the family urged privacy, stating, "Our hope is to close this chapter of our lives soon so that we can grieve, move on, and continue to honor the memory of our Sarah."
Days after Sweeney's tragic demise, her attorney revealed that she battled severe health conditions, including a life-threatening bone disorder and mast cell activation disorder. These conditions shed light on potential factors contributing to her death, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Complicating matters further, the home where Sweeney was found deceased had a troubling history. It belonged to a man whose fiancée, Grace Holland, died of a single gunshot wound to the head two years prior. While police initially classified Holland's death as a suicide, her family harbored concerns about the investigation's integrity.
Through their attorney, Holland's family had called for a meticulous examination into Sweeney's death, citing lingering doubts stemming from Holland's case. However, no charges or arrests have been made in connection with Sweeney's death, and the firefighter's identity and department remain undisclosed.
Despite inquiries, Frontenac police have yet to provide additional information regarding the ongoing investigation. As the community awaits further developments, questions linger surrounding the circumstances of Sarah Kathleen Sweeney's untimely demise, leaving loved ones seeking closure and justice.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com