New evidence in the death of an Antrim County teen points to homicide
Read more: Local
In November of 2007 16--year old Sam Avery was found dead in his Elk Rapids home from a gun shot wound to his head. The case was initially thought of as a suicide, but it never officially closed because of circumstances surrounding Avery's death. In January of 2008 7&4 News sat down with Antrim County Prosecutor Charles Koop. This is what he had to say about the case then.
"We have a young man who died from a gunshot wound and we're trying to determine if it was self inflicted or inflicted by a 3rd person. There are no suspects... we're trying to determine how Sam died, whether at his own hands, or somebody else's," said Charles Koop.
The investigation continued and in February of 2008 crime lab results showed that the gun used in the shooting had no finger prints on it. In May, investigators searched the Elk Rapids home. While they wouldn't say why, the prosecutor told 7&4 News they were looking for evidence. According to a search warrant, which was obtained by 7&4 News, investigators were searching the home, garage and shed for bullets, bullet holes, shot gun shells, as well as taking measurements and pictures of the structures. Now, nearly two years later, Avery's death is officially being ruled a homicide. The prosecutor says the ruling is based on a forensic autopsy report received seven weeks ago. 7&4 News spoke with a close friend of the family who says she does not believe the news, but if it is true she says investigators need to find out who did it. Investigators continue to meet and review the file. No additional information is being released at this time.
If you have any information contact the Michigan State Police Post in Kalkaska, or the Elk Rapids Police Department.
