Police say foul play not suspected in death of elderly woman found in Box Elder Creek
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah (ABC4) — On Feb. 27, 61-year-old Fanny Escalona-De Angola was found unresponsive in Box Elder Creek and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Officials identified the woman the day after her body was found, however, they say the medical examiner still had not determined the cause of death as of March 20.
“This incident is still under investigation, at this time foul play is not suspected,” the Brigham City Police Department said in a March 20 press release.
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What have investigators found?
Recently unsealed documents obtained by ABC4.com provide more information on the initial investigation into the death of Fanny Escalona-De Angola, and clarify that she was found in the creek with no pants on and with something around her neck.
Officials with Brigham City Police executed the warrants on Feb. 27 and Feb. 29 to look for evidence in Angola’s home and at a local hospital. Both warrants include comments from an officer explaining why they wished to search for and obtain evidence for the investigation.
The warrants say Angola “had a ligature tied in a knot around her neck. Markings under the ligature suggest that it had been wrapped around the neck multiple times and fastened securely which could possibly have restricted the airway or blood circulation.”
In the search warrant for her home, officers were looking for several items, including “items that can be used in forming a ligature” and “any weapons.”
Officials were also looking for medications and medical paperwork in the home, likely because Angola was said to have been in the emergency room in the early morning hours (between 1 and 5 a.m.) on the day she was found dead.
The search warrant for the hospital said, “…when it is discovered that a deceased individual had recently visited a hospital emergency room, it is likely that medications were administered on these visits, treatment was provided, and conversations occurred with medical staff.”
Angola’s husband — the man who called to report her missing on Feb. 27 — told officers he was with his wife in the ER and believed she had been given a sleep aid, but was unsure what medications were given.
The officer said he believed the execution of the warrant for the hospital would “yield evidence that will assist in the investigation.”
Based on the documents, officers were able to obtain Angola’s cellphone from her home. The warrant for the hospital was served via fax, and whatever may have been collected from that warrant was not listed in the documents obtained by ABC4.com.
On March 20, Brigham City Police said it extended “heartfelt condolences” to Angola’s family and directed people to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which can be reached by calling or texting 988.
The investigation is still ongoing.
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