A Minnesota man who was reportedly found dead last month in a freezer chest apparently became trapped in it while hiding from the police.
Brandon Buschman’s body was discovered in a vacant home in Biwabik on June 26. Gilbert police Chief Ty Techar said foul play is not suspected in his death as several people they interviewed indicated that Buschman, 34, was last seen fleeing the home due to police possibly being in the area, according to the Duluth News Tribune.
“[He] was last seen by those present in the home fleeing from the upstairs area of the house due to a possible police presence near the residence. Buschman had an active outstanding warrant for his arrest,” Techar told the news outlet.
Police’s preliminary findings suggest that Buschman entered the freezer of his own volition. They wrote that the appliance had a latch on the outside and, when closed, it could not be opened from the inside, the Duluth News Tribune reported.
“Investigators located a metal lawn ornament rod that was inserted from inside of the freezer towards the latching mechanism,” Techar stated. “The rod was jammed between the gasket and manufactured edge, preventing the rod from being able to manipulate the latching mechanism from the inside.”
According to WCCO, the freezer was located in the basement of the home.
Police lieutenant Chelsea Trucano told the Duluth News Tribune that the home was foreclosed on in February but people were living there without utilities.
Authorities have said the timeline remains unclear, and that they are still trying to ascertain when Buschman vanished and died.
An autopsy found no evidence of injury or trauma. A toxicology report will take at least several weeks.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Featured image: Facebook]
