Drug overdose results in criminal homicide charges

On November 14, 2021 the Lewis County Sheriff's Department Deputies responded to the report of a death at 128 Sealtest Drive. Criminal Investigators were notified and responded to the scene.

Samuel John Berry, 21, of Decaturville, was found deceased at the residence. Preliminary investigation indicates an apparent overdose death.

As criminal investigators continued their investigation, probable cause was developed that ultimately led investigators to charging Austin Kyle Horner, 20, in connection to this incident. Horner was booked into the Lewis County Jail on November 16 and charged with criminal homicide with his bond being $1,000,000. At the current time, this incident is still being investigated.

Sheriff Kilpatrick urges the citizens of Lewis County to call with any information related to this incident and/or any crime. The Lewis County Sheriff's Department takes a proactive stance to fight the war on drugs in our community. Information will remain anonymous and can be called in to the department at 931-796-5096 or sent directly to Lieutenant Brad Lawson at 931-628-4153, [email protected] or Investigator Tony Grillo at 931-209-7802, [email protected].