Former American police officer found dead

A body of a former American policeman has been found dead at a house in Koh Kaew yesterday (June 26). Phuket City Police were notified of the situation at a house in Koh Kaew at 2.30pm.

Police and emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the body of 58 year old Ronald Lee Barfield, an American national from Florida, on the floor in his bedroom.

Police report that there were no signs of a struggle or any violence. Police believed that Mr Barfield most likely died at least three days before his body was found. His body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

39 year old Yupin Ocharot from Ranong, Mr Barfield’s ex-girl friend, told police that Mr Barfield was a former police officer in America. Mr Barfield had taken an early retirement and was living at the rental house alone after they broke up.

Two day ago Ms Yupin tried to contact Mr Barfield but failed. She came to the house and noticed the bad smell coming from inside. So she contacted police.

At this stage police believed that Mr Barfield died from his personal health issue and suspect high blood pressure as the most probably cause. Police are continuing their investigation.