April 25 – NIEUWPOORT TWP. – The death of a 36-year-old man in Newport Township earlier this month is being investigated as suspicious and could spread to other jurisdictions, according to several law enforcement sources.
Mark J. Harrison was found deceased at his home on Central Street on April 14.
Luzerne County Coroner Jill Matthews said Wednesday only that Harrison’s death is “pending investigation,” when asked directly whether an autopsy was performed and whether the manner and cause of death were known.
Law enforcement sources said Wednesday that Harrison may have died of a drug overdose under suspicious circumstances.
Sources independently confirmed that a woman, possibly two women, were at Harrison’s home before his death. As Harrison became unconscious and ultimately died, firearms and other items were stolen from Harrison’s home, sources said.
The investigation, sources said, implies that the woman or women advertised on social media sites as prostitutes with the intention of causing a drug overdose to steal items. Similar overdoses have occurred with items stolen from homes in other jurisdictions, the sources said, confirming that Pennsylvania State Police are involved in the investigation.
Trooper William Evans, public information officer at Troop P, Wilkes-Barre headquarters, did not return a message seeking comment.
A check at the magisterial district courts turned up no search warrants for Harrison’s home, cell phone or computer use. Since Harrison’s death, one search warrant was filed and sealed by Luzerne County President Judge Michael T. Vough on Tuesday.
District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce and Newport Township Police Chief Jeremy Blank could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
