Investigators have found no obvious cause, nor could they find any sign of a break-in at the home.
By NICK COLLINS
Published October 19, 2004
PALM HARBOR - An investigation into the deaths of a married couple discovered this weekend in their home has found no sign that anyone else broke into their home or played a role in their deaths, authorities said Monday.
Autopsies performed Monday revealed no indication of trauma, and the cause of death remains undetermined, said Mac McMullen, a spokesman for the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The couple's locked house at 207 W Canal Drive showed no signs of forced entry.
Investigators on Monday were looking into the medical histories of Donald H. and Jane E. Schoolman and were waiting for the results of toxicology tests.
"It's suspicious from the standpoint that we don't know the cause," said Marianne Pasha, public information coordinator for the Sheriff's Office.
Results from toxicology tests usually come back in four to six weeks, said Bill Pellan, director of investigation for the Medical Examiner's Office of Pasco and Pinellas counties.
The Schoolmans' bodies were found Sunday after an out-of-state relative asked authorities to check their home in Lake Shore Estates near Lake Tarpon. The bodies were in separate bathrooms and were in an advanced state of decomposition, authorities said. They likely were in the home for three to seven days.
Jane Schoolman, 67, had been in poor health for a few years but refused to see a doctor, neighbors said Sunday. Neighbor Don Lefever said Donald Schoolman told him that Jane was all he had.
Officials found no sign of significant physical injury that might be associated with gunshot or puncture wounds, Pellan said Monday.
Yellow sheriff's tape barred the entrances to the Schoolmans' house Monday. The landscaping and lawn in front of the house were well-kept.
The peaceful scene contrasted with the hectic atmosphere Sunday, neighbors said.
A large team of investigators worked from the time the bodies were discovered about 3 p.m. Sunday until about 3 a.m. Monday, neighbor Nancy Nagel said.
"It was very creepy," said Nagel, a veterinary technician who lives across from the Schoolmans' home. "They had masks and heavy boots. It's not something you would expect to see on a quiet little street like this. It's just very sad."
Nagel added that the Schoolmans kept to themselves and that she rarely saw them out of the house.
Attempts Monday to contact members of the Schoolmans' family were unsuccessful.
Neighbor Charlyne Castle said she used to see Donald Schoolman once or twice a week getting the mail or working in the yard. But Castle, 87, said she hadn't seen him for a few weeks.
