Television meteorologist found in hot tub with dead man

September 6, 2011 Local News No comments

Television meteorologist found in hot tub with dead man

KARK meteorologist Brett Cummins was allegedly found with a dead man in the tub

“The chain was silver in color and consistent with what I believed to be a dog collar.” – Observed by responding officer

(Note: Full story includes link to police report)
By Kathee Baird
Authorities in Arkansas are investigating the suspicious death of a man found dead in a bathtub with a dog collar and chain wrapped around his neck.
Maumelle police were called to a home in Pulaski County, Arkansas after the homeowner found 24-year-old Dexter Paul Williams of Mountain Pine dead and meteorologist Brett Cummins of Little Rock television station KARK passed out.

Christopher John Barbour, the owner of the house where Cummins, 33, was found with the dead body, told police that he allegedly witnessed Cummins, who has been with KARK since 2001

[protected]

, and Williams “drinking and snorting illegal narcotics” Sunday (09-04-11) night. A pill bottle was recovered from the master bedroom adjacent to the bathroom.

Barbour told police he found Williams lying with his head behind Cummins’ left shoulder early Monday morning. “After Brett awoke they discovered that Dexter was not conscious and his face was a different color,” according to the police report. “He then explained that Brett screamed and became ill and left the bathroom and vomited on the carpet in the living room,” before leaving the residence.

In the report, Maumelle police officer Greg Roussie wrote he was the first responder on the scene arriving at 8:10 a.m. and Barbour escorted him to the bathroom, where he observed a “naked white male lying on the floor of the tub.” There was no water in the tub, Roussie said, and “the subject was lying on his right side in a fetal position, his face was blue and purple in color with a chain around his neck. The chain was silver in color and consistent with what I believed to be a dog collar.” There was also a small ring of blood found around the bottom of the tub.

Cummins later returned voluntarily and gave police a statement to police and was released.

KARK in Little Rock posted a report on its website about William’s death and Cummins connection on Tuesday. “Our meteorologist Brett Cummins was at the home at the time of the death and we felt we should share this with our viewers. Brett will not be on the air as he is mourning the loss of his friend. Our thoughts go out the family and friends of Dexter Williams.”

The family of Dexter Williams released the following statement through their attorney: “While we are disturbed by the circumstances surrounding the death of our son, we are confident the authorities will fully investigate this tragic event. Dex had a very loving but trusting heart. Anyone who knew him would agree that he was easily influenced. We would like to thank our friends and family for their continued sympathies and support.”

Authorities haven’t ruled out foul play. An autopsy is being conducted on Williams’ body to determine the manner and cause of death.

[/protected]