The death of an Indiana man found near the Appalachian Trail in Amherst County six months ago has been ruled a homicide.
An autopsy report from the Roanoke Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicated Scott Lilly died of “asphyxia by suffocation,” Western District Administrator Tracie Cooper said Friday.
Hikers found Lilly’s remains Aug. 12 just off the trail in the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area north of U.S. 60, east of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The FBI, which is investigating since the body was found on federal lands, stated in press releases only that the death was considered suspicious.
The state autopsy remained pending as late as December while the pathologist awaited the results of forensic testing.
Except to generate leads in a September plea for help tracking down hikers who were in Lilly’s vicinity during his hike, the bureau has released little information.
READ MORE: Appalachian Trail hiker’s death ruled homicide | The News & Advance.
