Perryville woman's death caused by OxyContin overdose

Toxicology reports are still pending on two men who also died around the same time. ~ Southeast Missourian

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Toxicology results are in on one of the three Perryville residents who was found dead after attending the same party.

Perryville police chief Keith Tarrillion said toxicology reports from the Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington show that Mich-elle Welty, 35, died from an accidental overdose of OxyContin in her home on Dec. 1.

Welty was found dead the same day as Dean Novack, 19, was found dead in his home, and the day after Dwayne Alan Hill, 31, was found dead in a field near the Perryville Industrial Park. All three had been to the same party the previous weekend.

Preliminary reports from an autopsy on Novak and Hill indicated the presence of OxyContin and cocaine, police said. Their toxicology reports are still pending, according to Tarrillion. He said he expects to receive them within a few days.

Tarrillion said he is waiting for the remaining toxicology reports before the investigation can proceed.

"The investigation is at a standstill right now," he said. "We're trying calm down a little bit before we jump back into it."

Tarrillion declined to say if police have any suspects, but he did say he hopes to make some arrests once he has more solid information.