Athens police investigating deaths of two roommates months apart

By Joe Johnson

Lewis Kern was found dead in the bathroom of his apartment on Tuesday morning, two month after his roommate died from a gunshot wound in the home they shared on North Avenue.

Athens police on Thursday said that both deaths continued to be investigated.

“We have yet to determine the manner of death for Mr. Kern. An autopsy will be performed ,” said Lt. Katie Jenkins. “As for Mr. Bellard, there does not appear to be anything criminal at this time but it is still an active investigation.”

Kern reportedly found Bellard dead late the night of October 10th after the roommates had fought earlier in the evening.

Police said that Kern had called 911 to report that after hearing a gunshot he found Bellard dead on his bed and on his bed and with a gun in his hand.

He told the responding police officers that he and Bellard had returned home from a bar downtown and had an argument about wanting to bring women to their apartment.

“Kern stated the argument got physical and they wrestled on the ground, breaking the table in the living room,” according to police, and afterwards Kern was preparing to take a shower when he heard the gunshot and then found his 44-year-old roommate dead in his bedroom.

Kern’s body was found Tuesday morning by police who made a welfare check for the man’s boss who was concerned that Kern had not shown up for work.

The man told police that his 40-year-old employee had been struggling with his roommate’s death and also the deaths within the past year of both his parents.

When officers entered the apartment they found Kern dead in the shower and two empty 1,75-literally bottles of Jameson whiskey.

The county coroner took custody of Kern’s body, and animal control officers took possession of Kyle, bhus black lab.