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Death of two Farmington residents ruled accidental

Reports indicate both died of carbon monoxide poisoning

By MARIDEE LAWSON
Daily Journal Staff Writer

Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 9:54 AM CST

FARMINGTON —The cause of death has been determined for the two Farmington residents who died last week.

Farmington Police Chief Rick Baker was notified Friday evening and said that the ruling was accidental death. Both were found to have lethal levels of carbon monoxide in their system.

The body of a 67-year-old Judith Wheeler was found about 7 Thursday morning after police were called to the home. After the body of the woman was found, 82-year-old Charles H. Borchers Jr. was found about 10:30 a.m. He was found after family members called and tried to reach him and got no answer, then called the police.

Police Chief Rick Baker said both homes were locked and there was no sign of forced entry at either residence. After the police arrived they found Borchers’ car in the garage with the door shut and the key in the on position with a dead battery. Baker said it appears the car was left running with the garage door shut.

The fire department checked the carbon monoxide levels and found that there was a lethal amount in both homes.

Maridee Lawson is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 756-8927 or mlawson@dailyjournalonline.com.