Lenawee County continues looking into man's death

12/28/2000

ADRIAN - Lenawee County sheriff's deputies continue to investigate the suspicious death of a 43-year-old man as a homicide, although investigators now believe that may not be the final verdict, Lt. Cletus Smith said yesterday.

Peter B. Lewin's body was found shortly after noon Tuesday in an Adrian Township field just west of here. The body was frozen, and police estimate the Adrian native had been dead since Christmas Eve.

Lieutenant Smith said bruising on the man's hands and nose were the only marks on his body. Police believe the marks may have been sustained in a fall. An autopsy, which was delayed until today because the body was frozen, will determine the cause of death, Lieutenant Smith said.

The man, who lived in Ohio, was in town visiting family for the holiday. Authorities did not say where he lived or how many family members he had.

Officials said only Mr. Lewin's footprints were visible in the snow when he was found.