MAN FOUND DEAD NEAR POINT OF ROCKS IDENTIFIED

(POINT OF ROCKS, MD) – Maryland State Police investigators have identified the man whose body was found in the Potomac River yesterday afternoon and are awaiting results of an autopsy as the investigation continues.

The man has been identified as Peter V. O’Connell, 54, of Frederick, Md. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of his death.

At about 4:00 p.m. yesterday, a 911 call was received at the Frederick Barrack from a bicyclist who reported seeing a body in the water along the bank of the Potomac River in Point of Rocks State Park. Troopers from the Frederick Barrack responded, as did State Police crime scene technicians, and investigators from the Homicide Unit and Criminal Enforcement Division. Assistance was also provided by officers from the Natural Resources Police and deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.

The body was in a cove along the river. Members of the Carroll Manor Fire Company responded and retrieved the body from the water. A forensic investigator conducted an examination of the body at the scene.

O’Connell’s car was found in a parking lot about one-half mile from where his body was recovered. Investigators determined O’Connell lived in Frederick and a search of his home was conducted late last night. Investigators recovered a suicide note in the home.

The investigation is continuing.