Pocono News Section

Mysterious Death Investigation Takes New Turn

Mysterious Death Investigation Takes New Turn - Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 6:15PM EST

Thursday, Jul 3, 2008 @ 06:15pm EST
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY- A 13-year old boy, found dead more than 20 years ago, was definitely murdered. That's what the Schuykill County coroner says, as he changed the death certificate of David Reed. The official cause of death is now ruled homicide. Lipsett says, "Now we can move forward and I believe state police have a suspect in mind and this investigation is going to continue."
Lipsett changed David Reed's cause of death to homicide Thursday morning. Reed disappeared from his Schuylkill Haven home in 1985. Six months later, his body was found in the woods, in nearby Cressona Borough. A forensic pathologist said the cause of death was undetermined. Lipsett says, “He left the door open for this investigation to continue, and that's why we're at the point we're at today."
This January, investigators say they had enough information to exhume reed's body, and perform another autopsy. His remains were taken and examined in three labs in three different states. It could be a while before David Reed returns to his final resting place at Schuykill Park Memorial Cemetary. His remains have to stay with state police until this investigation is finished. Lipsett and state police hope the investigation ends with an arrest and a conviction. "This case is important to us today as it was 23 years ago, so hopefully with the remaining family members that hey have left, we will hopefully make some closure," says Lipsett.
Investigators will not say how david reed was died. Lipsett says that's information, if released, could hurt the investigation before any arrest is made.