Scott County, MS – Officials said four people whose bodies were found in a home in Scott County early Wednesday morning appear to have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The victims, who were not related to each other, were identified as Carlos Jermaine Boyd, 22; Moises Hernandes Conde, 39; Travis Hunt, 19; and Tiffany Page Weaver, 18. A fifth victim, an unidentified 17-year-old girl, was taken to the hospital. Sheriff Mike Lee said she was disoriented and groggy when officials found her in the home.
The victims were found around midnight Wednesday inside a house at 112 Odem Lane, according to Deputy Coroner Phyllis Irby.
“We are investigating the use of a motor generator that was used on the inside of the home. It was gas powered, and it’s a small residence,” Lee said. “Wwe believe the victims had succumbed to the carbon monoxide, but we haven’t got a preliminary report as far as the blood tests. So we’re awaiting a definite cause but that’s what we’re exploring now.”
Both Irby and Lee said there is no evidence of foul play.
Lee said Conde owned the home and was letting the other victims live there under normal circumstances. He said it appeared that the generator was being used to power two heaters, and that the house was tightly sealed.
“Even an hour after we opened the home and were going in and out of the crime scene, there was a strong smell of fumes,” Lee said.
The bodies were sent to the state crime lab for autopsy.
“What we have is a terrible accident. You always hate to make a death call anyway, but at least you can let their family know it wasn’t foul play, maybe there’s some comfort in that,” Lee said. “Our prayers are with the families.”