Investigation continues into Boykins man’s death

Published 9:47 am Wednesday, October 24, 2012

BOYKINS—It could be more than three months before the cause of death for a Boykins man is determined, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Norfolk.

Kristopher Rawlings, 23, of Beaton Avenue was found dead at about 8 a.m. Sunday outside his home, said Major Gene Drewery with the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office.

There were no obvious injuries, Drewery said.

Neither Drewery or Glenn McBride, administrator for the Medical Examiner, wanted to speculate as to whether or not the death appears suspicious. McBride also did not want to comment on whether or not Rawlings had any obvious injuries.

“The cause of death is pending,” McBride said, noting toxicology tests for alcohol, and prescription and illegal drugs are run in cases like this.

“This is not specific to him,” he said.

Rawlings was least seen at 1 a.m. Sunday at his home, Drewery said.

The victim’s brother about seven hours later found his unresponsive brother and flagged down a sheriff’s deputy.

Rescue workers were notified, and Rawlings was pronounced dead at the scene, Drewery said.

“As required by law, every unattended death has to be investigated,” he said. “The cause of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing.”