Chattanooga Police said the bodies of two twins who led "hermit lifestyles" were apparently at their residence off Hixson Pike since 2011. Both were found in their recliners.
The results of the autopsies from the Medical Examiner’s Office have determined the identity of the two bodies found at 506 Acorn St. as Andrew Gary Johnson and Anthony Larry Johnson.
Police are still awaiting the results of the toxicology reports to determine the cause of death.
There were no signs of foul play or any indications that would lead police to believe that this is a homicide, it was stated.
Officers did respond to the residence, with family members, in 2011 in which time it was found that the residence appeared to be vacant. A letter from the Post Office was found in the mailbox stating that they believed the residence to be vacant and to cease delivery of mail to the address.
Officers also discovered in 2011, with family present, that there were no signs of forced entry to the residence, no foul odors, no signs of foul play or suspicious activity, and no visible/evident reason to allow forced entry to the residence.
At that time, family members indicated that they would not have been surprised if the brothers had moved without telling anyone. Police did not receive any calls from neighbors about a foul odor or anything suspicious about the residence, it was stated.
Officers were called on Saturday by family members, who had a key to the residence, to check the status of the reclusive brothers. After officers were given the key and permission to enter, it was then that the brothers were found deceased inside the residence.
Police said, "While this incident is tragic and unfortunate, Andrew and Anthony lived a hermit lifestyle and did not communicate with family or anyone else. The brothers also gave no indication that would lead anyone to believe they had any type of mental complications…they both had a valid driver’s license, insurance, owned vehicles and there were even records of them owning their own business. While well being checks are routine calls, department protocol was followed each time Officers responded and there were no obvious exigent circumstances that would allow officers to force entry to the residence on any of the calls received to check the well being of the brothers.
"Since the residence was determined to be vacant and no key was available on the previous calls, officers did not make entry. The family of Andrew and Anthony request their privacy during this time of grief."
Acorn Drive is north of Lupton Drive and south of Ashland Terrace.