Police investigate suspicious death in Montgomery County

Indiana State Police detectives from the Lafayette Post are investigating the death of an elderly Montgomery County man.

Samuel H. Kessler, 94, was found at his home located in the 8700 block of east State Road 234 near Lagoda, Ind. around 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

Kessler, a former Montgomery Co. commissioner and councilman, was found by an acquaintance Sunday when the acquaintance decided to stop by Kessler's residence to check on him.

According to ISP investigators, a door of the residence was found ajar and upon entry to the home, Kessler was found deceased in his bedroom.


Evidence at the scene and a wound on Kessler's body suggested foul play may be involved.

ISP investigators also found evidence at the scene suggesting the home was ransacked, however it is not clear if anything was taken.

Detectives believe the crime occurred between 11 a.m. Saturday, January 28 and 11:24 a.m. Sunday, January 29.

An autopsy is scheduled for 1 p.m. January 30 at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

Anyone that might know more about this death investigation is urged to contact ISP detectives at 765-567-2125.