Starke County Coroner Releases Autopsy Results

 
 

Results of a forensic autopsy conducted in the case of 33-year-old Christopher Howard of Grovertown have been released by Starke County Coroner Kris Rannells.

He stated that Howard died instantly of multiple systems blunt force trauma, including massive head, chest and abdominal injuries.

An investigation by the Starke County Sheriff’s Department found that Howard was last seen leaving friend’s house at 2 a.m. on Tuesday in the area of 1025 E. and 50 N. in Starke County. He was reported missing on Tuesday afternoon. His vehicle was found in the area of 900 East and 500 North at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and it appeared to have been involved in a collision.

According to information in a news release provided to WKVI News, footprints were found at the scene indicative of someone walking eastward from the accident scene.

Howard’s body was found along U.S. 30 just west of State Road 23 in Grovertown. Police say there was evidence at the scene that indicated that Howard was struck by a motor vehicle and that vehicle fled the scene. Officials do not know if fog contributed to the accident.

In the information released by Coroner Kris Rannells, injuries are consistent with a hit-and-run accident.

This is an ongoing investigation. If you have information about the incident, call the Starke County Sheriff’s Department at (574) 772-3771.