Montgomery County—Indiana State Police detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division at the Lafayette Post are currently investigating the death of an elderly Montgomery County man at 8737 East State Road 234, Ladoga, IN. The one level ranch style home is located in southeastern Montgomery County near the Boone County line.

The deceased man is Samuel H. Kessler, age 94, of 8737 East SR 234, Ladoga, IN. Mr. Kessler was pronounced deceased at the scene by Montgomery County Coroner David Hunt. The Kessler family has been notified.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call this morning at 11:24AM from a business acquaintance of Mr. Kessler’s. The acquaintance was unable to reach Mr. Kessler by phone and decided to stop at the residence to check on him. A door of the residence was found ajar and upon entry to the home, Mr. Kessler was found deceased in his bedroom. Evidence at the scene and the fact that Mr. Kessler had sustained a wound to his body suggests foul play. Evidence at the scene suggests the home was ransacked, but it is unclear at this time, if anything was taken. No other information concerning the wound or evidence will be released. Mr. Kessler had spoken with relatives at approximately 11:00AM on January 28, 2012. Detectives believe the crime occurred between 11:00AM on the 28th and 11:24AM on the 29th .

An autopsy is tentatively scheduled for January 30, 2012, 1:00PM, at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. The pathologist will be Dr. Roland Kohr.

Information will be released as it becomes available.

The case is being investigated by ISP Detective Jay Harper. Assisting were other ISP detectives, ISP Crime Scene Investigators, Montgomery County Sheriff Mark Casteel and deputies, and Montgomery County Coroner David Hunt.

Anyone with information concerning this death investigation is urged to contact ISP Detective First Sergeant Tom McKee or Detective Jay Harper at the Lafayette Post, 765-567-2125. No tip is too small.

Direct any questions to Sergeant Joe Watts at 812-240-0030.