Autopsy results were ‘inconclusive’
By: Cynthia Williamson
LAMBERTVILLE – Authorities are waiting for the results of toxicology tests to determine the exact cause of death of a 31-year-old Delaware Township man.
David C. Anderson was found dead in Swan Creek near the Delaware and Raritan Canal early the morning of July 24 by a city resident who was walking his dog along the towpath.
An autopsy performed the afternoon of July 25 by the Hunterdon County Medical Examiner in Raritan Township was inconclusive, Lambertville Police Detective Michael Boszolak said.
This week he said there has been no change in the department’s position.
"It is still our opinion that there was no evidence of foul play, but the case remains open pending the result of toxicology tests," he said.
The tests could take between six weeks and months due to a backlog at the New Jersey State Police crime lab, Detective Boszolak said.
"There are so many cases in the system that it could take months," he said.
Authorities are investigating how Mr. Anderson happened to fall into the shallow spillway, a waterway that takes overflow from the canal to the Delaware River. Lambertville Police Director Bruce Cocuzza said last week the dead man was known to visit the area when he was drinking.
Mr. Anderson had about three deep lacerations on his face that may have happened as a result of the fall or from debris in the water but that has not been determined for sure, Detective Boszolak said.
"He was well liked by everybody we talked to," the detective said.
Authorities also are not sure how long Mr. Anderson may have been in the water before his body was found.
"Nobody is moving away from the point of a couple days," Detective Boszolak said.
He was last seen alive late on the night of July 21 or early July 22. Mr. Anderson is from Ottsville, Pa., but he was sharing a rented house with roommates in Delaware Township and had acquaintances in the area, authorities said.