Police Probe Death of Dexter Williams Found in Bathtub With Arkansas TV Weatherman Brett Cummins/ Prosecuting Attorney will not file criminal charges

Investigators have not ruled out foul play in the death of a young Arkansas man whose body was discovered in an empty bathtub next to a sleeping TV meteorologist, a police spokesman tells FoxNews.com.
Dexter Williams, 24, of Mountain Pine, Ark., was found dead early Monday inside the bathtub -- naked and wearing a silver dog collar-style chain around his neck. The man's friend, 33-year-old Little Rock weatherman Brett Cummins, was asleep and lying next to him at the home in Maumelle, Ark., according to police. The homeowner, 36-year-old Christopher Barbour, reportedly made the discovery after hearing loud snoring coming from the master bathroom.

Maumelle Police spokesman Lt. Jim Hansard told FoxNews.com that traces of blood were found in the bathtub and that authorities are considering foul play in their investigation. He said police are awaiting the results of an autopsy and toxicology tests conducted Tuesday on Williams. No charges have been filed, though police suspect drugs and alcohol were involved, Hansard said.
"We have not ruled out foul play," he said. "This is an open investigation."
At around 8 p.m. on Sunday, Cummins brought Williams over to Barbour's house, where the three drank and snorted illegal drugs, Barbour reportedly told investigators. He said Cummins and Williams got into the bathtub in his bathroom at around 10 p.m. and continued to drink, according to local press accounts.
Barbour reportedly told police he discovered the pair in the bathroom at around 8 a.m. the next day. He said he shook Cummins, who was snoring, and the two of them then tried to wake up Williams.
Cummins reportedly screamed when he saw William's discolored face and bolted from the bathroom and vomited on the living room carpet.
KARK-TV in Little Rock, where Cummins works as a weatherman, posted a report of the death on its website on Tuesday. The report said, "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 to the family and friends of Dexter Williams."

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Brett Cummings

by xxxxxxxx September 7, 2011 4:09 PM EDT
I live in Little Rock, and some of this has been exaggerated by homophobic police. The 'dog collar' was a piece of jewelry Mr. Williams wore everyday. I understand it was a spiked collar similar to those a lot of kids wear. Mr. Williams was out to the community, but Mr. Cummins was not. I understand Mr. Cummins is from a prominent family, and no repercussions are expected. Mr. WIlliams was known as a chronic drug abuser. I think the real take away here is one man invited another man over to his house, and the second man brought his own date with drugs. That's just rude.

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Maumelle Police spokesman Lt. Jim Hansard told the AP that the preliminary results of Dexter Williams autopsy have been completed but police will not releases the cause of death at this time.

There is much speculation around the web that the men were playing some S & M games while in the Jacuzzi tub. Police did report they found some blood in the drain of the tub but they did not notice any physical injury to Dexter in the position he was found in.

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The family of Dexter Williams released a statement through their lawyer:

"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."



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What a weird way to go....

I think the real take away here is one man invited another man over to his house, and the second man brought his own date with drugs. That's just rude.


I know this isnt a laughing matter but this just made me giggle

I'm not saying a word.......

Thursday afternoon, Brett Cummins released the following statement to CNN through his attorney:
Brett Cummins is devastated by the tragic death of his friend Dexter Williams and extends his sincere condolences to Dexter's family.
They remain foremost in his thoughts and prayers. Mr. Cummins deeply regrets the grief this incident has caused those who know him, especially his co-workers and family members.
Mr. Cummins continues to cooperate fully with authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr. Williams' passing and, like them, looks forward to a conclusion of the inquiry, secure in his own innocence and confident that no foul play was involved.
In an attempt to assist the Maumelle Police Department as they gather information in this regard, and so that all resources can be properly focused, no further public statements will be made at this time.
Brett will not be on the air as he continues mourning the loss of his friend.

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There are no words to be said. I think we all realize the scenario that was going on. I wonder if Cummings still has his job?????

An Arkansas meteorologist who was found sleeping in a hot tub with a dead body resigned on Friday, his attorney said.

Attorney Mark Hampton said TV weatherman Brett Cummins had resigned from his job with KARK in Little Rock. The station's general manager, Mike Vaughn, confirmed that Cummins no longer works at the station, but he would not say whether he resigned.

Both Hampton and Vaughn declined to comment further. The TV station has removed Cummins' biography and photo from its website.

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Cummins was involved in a bizarre Labor Day and transparently homesexual incident that elicited big question marks about his his reputation and real identity in a conservative, Bible Belt, mostly GOP southern state.

Earlier this week, NBC-affiliate KARK said their reporter Cummins was in grief and distress over the tragic event.

Today, Cummins' lawyer Mark Hampton says that his client resigned today (Friday). KARK's general manager wouldn't say if Cummins resigned or was forced to resign. But he did tell ABC affiliate KATV in Arkansas that Cummins no longer worked at the station.

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I don't have an issue w/Cummings sexual preference nor should anyone, but it's the sequence of events that took place that leave lots of questions.

Also, he should not be doing coke or any drugs. I think his "friend" probably overdosed. MOO.

Only his actions are are against the law should matter, but as far as the rest goes..... he lives in the Bible belt....
Indulging in drugs is illegal and that's what got him in all this trouble. I would bet money that if drugs hadn't been involved his friend would still be alive, and Cummins would have gone back to his job Monday morning and no one would have been the wiser.

Live your life as thought you might run for president one day!

NiteSpinR wrote:

BJ wrote:Live your life as thought you might run for president one day!

Whhaaatttt?
Well needless to say... I'm not Presidential Material!

Just be discreet like me, Nite!

NiteSpinR wrote:I agree that if drugs hadn't been involved life would be going along just as it had been.
I'm sorry that this young man died and that the others lost their lives in different ways.
It's tragic any way you look at it.
But lets face it, if it had been a man and a woman in the tub then this would be looked at in a different light.

I agree, and it wouldn't have even made the news outside that area or be discussed on any blog........

laga wrote:

NiteSpinR wrote:I agree that if drugs hadn't been involved life would be going along just as it had been.
I'm sorry that this young man died and that the others lost their lives in different ways.
It's tragic any way you look at it.
But lets face it, if it had been a man and a woman in the tub then this would be looked at in a different light.

I agree, and it wouldn't have even made the news outside that area or be discussed on any blog........

from both of you!
It's all about location, location, location. The fact that it wasn't a man and woman in the tub happened in the wrong part of the country. I sure feel for Cummings, even thou' I'm sure his friend probably OD'ed, none of this would have happened w/o the drug use. Of course I feel for all involved and especially the victims family.

When news broke of the death of Dexter Williams over the Labor Day weekend at a Maumelle home visited by then-KARK meteorologist Brett Cummins, most local news media reported details from the police report.

This newspaper, KATV and KTHV reported that police said the body of Williams, a guest with Cummins at Christopher Barbour’s home, was found in a bathroom hot tub with no water Monday morning. Williams was wearing a silver chain “consistent” with a dog collar, the police report said. Police said Barbour found Cummins, 33, asleep in the tub next to the body.

Stories by KTHV and this newspaper said Barbour told police that Cummins and Williams arrived Sunday night and, the police report said, “they then began to drink and use illegal narcotics.”

No charges were filed and no foul play is suspected, but the investigation is ongoing.

How did KARK report it?

“Maumelle Police are investigating a holiday weekend death. It happened early Monday morning at a home at 16 Village Way.

“Police say 24-year-old Dexter Williams was found dead in a hot tub. Police are investigating whether drugs and alcohol played a role.

As of right now, no criminal charges have been filed.

“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 to the family and friends of Dexter Williams.”

Quite a different picture than that painted elsewhere, leaving viewers to wonder what was happening before Williams’ death. A holiday barbecue, football-watching party, family reunion?

“Why the sketchy report?” I asked KARK news director Rob Heverling.

“I’m very limited in what I can say. As far as Brett is concerned, this is a personnel matter. We must follow our companyNexstar’s policy,” he said.

“But we felt like it was important to, at the very least, acknowledge that Brett is an employee of ours. It is a story. We know it is a story. And it was important for us to at least cover the story.”

“But did you cover the story?” I asked Heverling.

“Because of our policy, this is all we can say,” he replied after a long pause.

“That is the only way I can answer that question.”

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Either the station wasn't aware of the bizarre circumstances or they were and are Covering their ass..instead of the Real story.

More ass covering might have had a different outcome, too. Jus sayin'.

Wrap before I forget to tell you, I like your new avatar.

The Arkansas weatherman found last week in a hot tub alongside a man's lifeless, naked body is hoping autopsy results and other evidence will soon clear his name, his lawyer said Monday.
Mark Hampton said his client, Brett Cummins, resigned Friday from his position as a meteorologist at KARK, which is based in Little Rock.
"The station was getting continuing inquiries, and Brett thought it would be best if he resigned," Hampton said, adding that the resignation was done orally after his client contacted the station.
In a statement on its website, KARK confirmed that Cummins' tenure at the station ended Friday afternoon.

Arkansas State Crime Laboratory Director Kermit Channell said Monday that Williams' autopsy examination "should be finished up," anticipating that a final report will be ready "in the next week or so." After that, it will up to the local law enforcement agency overseeing the case -- the Maumelle Police Department -- to decide whether the autopsy results will remain confidential or be released to the public, Channell said.

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A man whose naked body was found next to a sleeping TV weatherman in an unfilled tub earlier this month died from asphyxiation, authorities said Thursday, but there was "no indication" he was strangled.
Maumelle Lt. Jim Hansard noted that the medical examiner cited other contributing factors in 24-year-old Dexter Williams' death, including intoxication with methamphetamine and amphetamines.
Police said the investigation remains open and there is "no indication (from the medical examiner) in any way that there was a strangulation,' and the manner of death remains 'undetermined."
Police say that Williams' body was discovered September 5 in a hot tub with former TV meteorologist Brett Cummins.
Cummins, 33, has not been formerly charged in case. He has since resigned from KARK-TV in Little Rock.
The owner of the home, Christopher Barbour, found Williams' body at the bottom of an empty tub, his face blue and purple and a chain resembling a dog collar around his neck, according to a Maumelle Police report.
Maumelle Police will soon turn the case over to the Pulaski County Prosecutors Office, which will determine whether any charges will be filed.

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Maumelle Police Department Press Release:

"Regarding Maumelle Police Department case #11-4587-OF documenting the sudden death of Dexter Williams, Associate Medical Examiner Frank J. Peretti, M.D. has officially listed the manner of death as undetermined. Dr. Peretti noted the cause of death as Asphyxia along with significant findings of Acute Combined Methamphetamine and Amphetamine Intoxication. There was no finding of strangulation listed on the Cause of Death report.

Once it is completed, the Maumelle Police Department will turn over the investigative file to the Pulaski County Prosecutors Office who will determine what, if any, charges can/should be filed."

Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Jegley tells Today's THV that it's too soon in the investigation to determine whether or not to file charges.

Definitions from Merriam Webster

Asphyxia: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body that results in unconsciousness and often death and is usually caused by interruption of breathing or inadequate oxygen supply.

Strangulation: the action or process of strangling or strangulating
2: the state of being strangled or strangulated; especially : excessive or pathological constriction or compression of a bodily tube (as a blood vessel or a loop of intestine) that interrupts its ability to act as a passage.

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11-28

Nearly three months after a Little Rock meteorologist was found with the nude corpse of Mountain Pine resident Dexter Williams, the investigation into the matter remains open.

“We’re still reviewing it,” John Johnson, deputy prosecuting attorney, said on Wednesday. Johnson works under Larry Jegley, prosecuting attorney for the Sixth Judicial District, which includes Pulaski and Perry counties.

According to a police report on the Sept. 5 incident, Brett Cummins, then a KARK-TV, Channel 4, meteorologist, was found in a Maumelle home’s bathtub with the body of Williams, 24.

Lt. Jim Hansard of the Maumelle Police Department said the prosecutor’s office would determine whether any charges would be pressed. Maumelle’s police force is no longer working on the case.

“We have turned that whole entire case over to Larry Jegley’s office,” Hansard said. “I know that we’re not actively investigating any new leads in that case.”

Through a statement from his Little Rock attorney, Mark Hampton, Cummins denied wrongdoing in the incident. But Cummins resigned from his position with KARK four days after Williams’ body was found.

A preliminary autopsy revealed that Williams died of asphyxiation, and that he had illegal drugs in his body.

Johnson said he could not discuss the possibility of Williams’ full autopsy being released to the public. Cummins’ attorney, Hampton, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

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Maumelle police Chief Sam Williams said the results of his department’s investigation had been turned over to 6th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Larry Jegley. Jegley said through a spokesman on Dec. 26 that no decision had been made in the case, but suggested that a decision was imminent when he advised calling back after the first of the year.

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Prosecuting Attorney Larry Jegley said today that his office will not file criminal charges in the death of Dexter Williams.

Jegley wrote in a letter today to the Maumelle Police Chief that his office reviewed the case file and concluded that no criminal charges were appropriate based on the evidence presented.

Dexter Williams died on Labor Day, his body was found in an empty bathtub with former Little Rock meteorologist Brett Cummins.

A medical examiner says Williams died from asphyxia, or lack of oxygen, combined with methamphetamine and amphetamine intoxication.

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I agree. Unless the drugs were forced upon him, he had free will.

Richmond police doubt man's death was homicide

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Police in Richmond, Va., say they don't suspect foul play in the death of Matthew Henry Williams, the former Johnston County resident whose body was found in a canal Saturday.

Williams had been missing since Dec. 13. Divers had previously searched the canal near the James River where a passer-by found his body Saturday afternoon.

The medical examiner's office has yet to determine how Williams died, Richmond police spokesman James Mercante said. Detectives doubt that it was foul play, even though police have charged three men with breaking into Williams' apartment and taking his TV and a videogame console the night he disappeared, Mercante said. Police do not think the burglary and Williams' disappearance are connected, he said.

Williams moved to Richmond for a new job with Wells Fargo in November. He lived about a block from where his body was found, and a few blocks from the bar where he was last seen the night he disappeared.

Williams had a reputation for befriending strangers. The Richmond Times Dispatch said that on Dec. 9 he ran up a $500 tab at a VIP table in a high-end nightclub called The Lucky Buddha while entertaining a group of people he had just met.

Employees of the club, a few blocks from Williams' apartment, said he was extremely social, frequently bought drinks for strangers, and had announced that he made a lot of money.

Williams graduated from Campbell University last year with a master's degree in business and was a student in the Trust & Wealth Management program, according to a Campbell student placement web page. In Richmond, he became a trust assistant with Wells Fargo.

His last visit to The Lucky Buddha came just hours before he disappeared on the night of Dec. 13. Police have said that surveillance videos that night showed Williams and three men entering his apartment about 9 p.m., and then the four of them leaving about an hour later.

A surveillance camera captured Williams leaving a bar called the Hat Factory at 10:57 p.m., according to Richmond police. He was alone. Then video at Williams’ apartment building showed two of the men he had been with earlier returning and breaking into his apartment about 1 a.m.

Police say they found the three men in the surveillance videos with the help of tipsters and charged them with conspiracy to commit burglary. They identified the men as Tre S. Carrington, 24, and Erik S. Finger Jr., 22, both of the 5900 block of Nestle Avenue; and, Andrew L. Scott, 21, of the 1500 block of Henrico.

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