Montgomery County---Indiana State Police detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division at the Lafayette Post, with the assistance of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, continue to investigate the death of Samuel H. Kessler, age 94, of 8737 East State Road 234, Ladoga, IN. Mr. Kessler was found deceased in his bedroom by a business acquaintance shortly before noon on January 29th.

An autopsy was performed this afternoon at Terre Haute Regional Hospital by Pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr. Montgomery County Coroner David Hunt has released the Manner of Death as “Homicide” and the Cause of Death as a gunshot wound. To protect the integrity of the investigation the caliber of the ammunition and the location of the gunshot wound will not be released.

Any further questions concerning the autopsy should be directed to Montgomery County Coroner David Hunt at 765-364-6368.

Questions concerning the investigation can be directed to ISP Sergeant Joe Watts at 812-240-0030.

Several tips from the public have been received and state police investigators continue to pursue the many pieces of information provided by citizens. Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact First Sergeant Tom McKee or Detective Jay Harper of the Indiana State Police in Lafayette at 765-567-2125. Remember, no tip is too small.

No other information will be released at this time. Additional information will be released when it is appropriate and does not hinder the integrity of the investigation.