An Okatie couple was found dead Monday. Why police say it’s ‘suspicious’
A middle-aged couple in Okatie was found dead in their home on Monday, according to police, who say their death was deemed “suspicious” because of the presence of drugs and “how the victims were found.”
Patty Atkins, 61, and James LaRoche, 65, of Okatie were found deceased in their home on Cherry Point Road, according to Beaufort County Coroner Ed Allen.
Their bodies were discovered after Atkins’ sister and her friend were unable to get in contact with Atkins. They both went to the Okatie home to check on Atkins, said a report from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
Atkins’ sister told investigators that Atkins and LaRoche “had a drug history and used marijuana, cocaine, and heroin in the past,” according to the report.
Allen said autopsies were taking place Thursday, and results are pending a toxicology examination as well, both of which take eight weeks to process.
“Numerous narcotics were located in the house, a white rock-like substance was found on the kitchen counter and marijuana was located in different area in the house,” the report said.
Investigators also said they found marijuana plants in planter pots on the back porch.
This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 2:41 PM.
