PITTSFIELD — Authorities doubt a young city man was the victim of foul play after his body was found in a dumpster on Tyler Street over the weekend.
Late Saturday afternoon, 22-year-old Louis E. Ely, of Briggs Avenue, was discovered in the trash receptacle of a Tyler Street business, according to the Pittsfield Police Department. Investigators believe Ely climbed into the dumpster and that foul play isn't suspected at this time.
The Berkshire District Attorney's Office reported early Sunday evening that an autopsy was conducted earlier in the day at the Holyoke office for the state Chief Medical Office. However, the cause of death remains unknown, pending further toxicological and other testing, according to the DA's office.
City police are still investigating Ely's death.
The Eagle independently learned on Sunday the dumpster is located to the rear of 771 Tyler St., a three-story brick building located at the center of the block between Curtis Terrace and Woodlawn Avenue, a mixed business and residential area. The building is largely residential. There is a small convenience store at the western end of the structure.
On Saturday at about 7 p.m., according to a neighbor who spoke Sunday on the condition of anonymity, there were several Pittsfield police cars parked in front of the building. Police tape surrounded the parking area to the east of the building. Police were reportedly taking statements from tenants, the neighbor said.
There was also at least one officer collecting evidence into plastic bags, said the neighbor, who was across the street and could not get a clear look at all the activity, she said. The evidence collecting seemed to be confined to the parking lot and possibly the rear of the building, the neighbor said.
By Sunday morning, the scene was quiet, devoid of police officers, police cruisers or yellow tape that had cordoned off the scene.
Staff writer Dick Lindsay contributed to the story.
Reach staff writer Derek Gentile at 413-496-6251.