Body of owner is found in shop; autopsy planned

8/19/2002

The body of the owner of a tropical fish shop was found yesterday at the rear of the store at 730 Phillips Ave., police said.

Stephen Adams, 44, was discovered about 11:15 a.m. by his son, Lawrence, who called 911, according to Steve Kahle, an investigator for the Lucas County coroner.

The fatal injury appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head. An autopsy has been ordered. A handgun was found nearby, Mr. Kahle said.

Mr. Adams left his home for the store and apparently arrived about 9:30 a.m. to care for fish and prepare to open the shop at noon. His son arrived to find his father in a back room fatally injured. The store's front door was locked but a rear door was not.