NEWPORT TWP. — The authorities are looking into the death of a 36-year-old man in Newport Township earlier this month, suspecting it to be suspicious and possibly involving other areas, as per multiple law enforcement sources.
Mark J. Harrison was discovered dead at his home on Central Street on April 14.
Luzerne County Coroner Jill Matthews stated on Wednesday that Harrison’s death is under investigation, declining to confirm whether an autopsy had taken place or if the cause of death was determined.
According to law enforcement sources, it is believed that Harrison died from a drug overdose under peculiar circumstances.
Independent sources have confirmed that one or possibly two women were present in Harrison’s home before his passing. It was reported that when Harrison lost consciousness and later passed away, firearms and other items were stolen from the residence.
The investigation focuses on whether the woman or women had advertised themselves as prostitutes on social media with the intention of causing a drug overdose to steal belongings. Similar incidents with substance overdoses and stolen items have occurred in other areas, with the Pennsylvania State Police being involved in the investigation.
Trooper William Evans, the public information officer at Troop P, Wilkes-Barre headquarters, did not respond to a request for comment.
A check with magisterial district courts did not yield any search warrants for Harrison’s residence, cell phone, or computer usage. Following Harrison’s death, one search warrant was applied for and sealed by Luzerne County President Judge Michael T. Vough on Tuesday.
District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce and Newport Township Police Chief Jeremy Blank were unavailable for comment on Wednesday.
