Decomposed body found in shed near Luray Avenue boat landing

On Saturday, October 24, 2020, at approximately 12:34 PM, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office received a call from an area resident about a badly decomposed human body found inside a shed located near the boat landing on the 700 block of Luray Avenue in Front Royal, Virginia. WCSO Investigators arrived on scene and spoke with the complainant, and a second person identified as the property owner.

Shed located near the boat landing on the 700 block of Luray Avenue in Front Royal. Photo/Mike McCool, Royal Examiner

It was determined that the complainant went to this location hoping to locate an acquaintance from the Front Royal Thermal Shelter whom no one had seen since approximately August 28, 2020, and the man was believed to have been going through rehabilitation for alcohol abuse. It was determined the person being sought had been living inside the shed, which contained a large assortment of alcoholic beverage bottles and personal items.

WCSO Investigators processed the scene and reported that the male decedent was in a state of severe decomposition that prevented immediate identification; however, based upon a tattoo on his back and large collection of personal identification, medications and bills including an expired Virginia driver’s license, it was consistent with the information provided by witnesses about the missing person.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth of Virginia was contacted and will conduct an examination at a later date. Based upon the evidence at the scene, history of alcoholism and medical problems it is believed no foul play is involved in this death. The cause of the death is pending, and the name of the decedent is being withheld pending those results and notifications with his family. Anyone having additional information is asked to contact WCSO Investigator Jeremy Seabright at 540-635-4128.