The King County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its investigation into the death of islander India Castle. Because the King County Medical Examiner’s office determined she died from an accidental drug overdose and exposure, no criminal charges will result, said Sgt. Cindi West, a spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office.
Castle, 27, went missing on Tuesday, Nov. 13, was found dead four days later in a marshy area off of 109th Ave S.W., about 1,000 feet away from the home where she was last seen.
The medical examiner’s office determined that Castle died from “drowning and hypothermia due to environmental exposure, due to acute methamphetamine intoxication,” according to a report issued last month.
West said investigators found no evidence that a crime was committed in the young woman’s death and the office now considers the case closed.
In cases of accidental drug overdose, West said, it’s not customary for police to search out or charge those who supplied the drugs.
“If she was 15, 16 or 17, it might be different,” West said. “She’s an adult, she made her own choice, and unfortunately it had tragic consequences.”
Richard Grant, who lives at the home Castle was last seen at and claims to be one of the last people to have seen her, currently faces drug charges from an August incident. On Aug. 25, Grant was pulled over on Vashon and found to posses nearly 10 grams of methamphetamine.
Grant was charged with Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA) and pled not guilty. His trial is scheduled for March 3.
West said she couldn’t say whether police would take any action in response to reports from islanders as well as Grant’s own family members that the home is a drug house.
“I can tell you we are very aware of the house,” she said.
