A man's body was found Thursday evening in East Ridge and his roommate was charged with abuse of a corpse.
East Ridge Police were dispatched at 8:33 p.m. to 4320 Bennett Road in regards to a well being check. Officers located an unconscious male on the ground. East Ridge Fire and EMS arrived shortly after and pronounced the man on the ground to be deceased. The scene was secured by officers and witness statements were taken from the bystanders.
Tim Carroll of the medical examiner's office was notified and arrived at 9:48 p.m.
The body of Jason Lamkin was transported to the medical examiner's office.
The victim's family, who arrived shortly after police, provided information in regards to the investigation. Carol Smith, sister of the victim, said she had recently received a phone call from Nicholas Sloan, roommate/coworker of the deceased. Ms. Smith said that Sloan stated to her that he had dropped the body of the victim at the East Ridge High School parking lot after he became unresponsive.
Sloan was interviewed and stated that he had driven Mr. Lamkin to Shallowford Road and Moore Road to meet with an individual to purchase some pills. Mr. Sloan said he was driving back to their apartment when he noticed Mr. Lamkin was unresponsive. Sloan said he nudged Mr. Lamkin and yelled at him to wake up and did not get any response. Sloan said he pulled into the parking lot of the East Ridge High School and pulled Mr. Lamkin out from the vehicle. Sloan said he shook Mr. Lamkin and could not get any response. He said he then left Mr. Lamkin on the ground and continued to his apartment in the vehicle.
Nicholas Sloan was charged with abusing a corpse and transported to the Hamilton County Jail. The investigation is continuing and further charges may be brought.