FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Deputies Investigating Theft Following Ophir Suicide
Contact: Susan Lilly, Public Information Officer 970-729-2028
susanl@sanmiguelsheriff.org
May 11, 2016 -- (Ophir, CO) – The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of two Ophir men breaking into another resident’s home shortly after that man was found dead from a an apparent suicide.
Ophir resident Steven Root, 47, was found dead Sunday evening (May 8th). His presumed cause of death has been ruled a suicide according to San Miguel County Coroner Emil Sante, and the death is under investigation.
Shortly after SMSO Deputies left Mr. Root’s residence Sunday evening, two Ophir men allegedly broke into the home and stole a mountain bike, skis, a small amount of marijuana and other personal items. Deputies have recovered the bike and skis.
Sheriff Bill Masters said “How people could be so disrespectful to the deceased and his property is beyond me.”
Deputies are continuing to investigate and the case has been turned over to the District Attorney.
The San Miguel Sheriff’s Office, located in Telluride, Colorado and established in 1883, serves 7,800 residents and countless visitors across the 1,288 square miles of San Miguel County. Sheriff Bill Masters has been serving as the county’s elected Sheriff since 1980.
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