Dawn Fowler
An autopsy has determined that 77-year-old Nancy Fowler of Carmi died of natural causes, and authorities say no foul play is suspected in her death.
Fowler’s body was discovered May 4 after a welfare check was requested by local post office employees, who reported they had not seen her in more than a month. The welfare check led Carmi Police and White County Coroner Chris Marsh to a residence on Shipley Street.
According to authorities, Fowler’s daughter, 59-year-old Dawn Fowler, told officers her mother was inside the home sleeping due to medication. Officers entered the residence to verify her condition and reported finding deplorable living conditions and a strong odor. After donning protective equipment, they located Nancy Fowler deceased inside the home.
Dawn Fowler was arrested and charged with concealing the death of a person, forgery, and obstruction of justice.
During a court appearance, a judge found a bona fide doubt regarding Dawn Fowler’s fitness to stand trial and ordered a mental evaluation. The State filed its motion for the examination on May 13. A status hearing regarding compliance with the evaluation order is scheduled for June 15.
While the criminal case remains pending, autopsy results have confirmed that Nancy Fowler’s death was from natural causes. Authorities say the investigation found no evidence of foul play.