Bellaire soldier death investigation
TRAVERSE CITY -- New details on a death investigation in Antrim County.
Antrim County Sheriff Daniel Bean tells 7&4 that Iraq War Veteran, Joseph Baker Jr., died of a self inflicted gun shot wound before his car caught on fire.
For several days investigators have been working to piece together what happened to Baker. Investigators say after Baker shot himself, his foot pushed down on the accelerator pedal causing the truck's engine to overheat and catch on fire. Investigators say the autopsy showed no smoke damage in Baker's lungs which they believe proves he died before the fire started.
Critical evidence was destroyed in the fire, but authorities did find the remains of a handgun. Investigators haven't found any evidence of foul play.
