Daily Deacon

Electrocution Case – Brandon Liu

Black male, Johnnie Lee Reed was found dead on the morning of September 25th near a utility pole belonging to Northfolk Southern Railroad according to the Winston Salem Police Department public record. Preliminary investigation indicates that the cause of death was electrocution and no foul play is suspected. Wire cutters and other tools found with the body led police to suggest that an attempt to remove copper wiring from the utility pole was the cause of electrocution.

Copper theft is an epidemic that was brought to attention in August 2007 following the death of Earl Thelander in Onawa, Iowa. According to Thelander’s daughter, Jody Ewing, the death was caused by a propane gas leak which left their house in ruins. Since then, there have been numerous casualties involving copper theft reported.

“The typical theft is usually around 200 to 300 feet of copper which is about $500 in a scrap yard,” said Kristine Snodgrass, A spokeswoman for energy company PSE&G.

The investigation regarding Reed’s death is being continued to confirm the cause of death and his family has been notified.

Follow Up Questions

What condition was the utility line found in?

Were there any other utility lines in the area damaged or tampered with?

What condition was Reed found in?

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