Boeing whistleblower John Barnett died by suicide, police investigation concludes

[Pelican Press 0]

Boeing whistleblower John Barnett ***** by ********, police investigation concludes

An extensive law enforcement investigation has determined the cause of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett’s ****** was ********, according to documents released Friday by the Charleston Police Department.

Barnett had been in Charleston, South Carolina, giving testimony in his whistleblower case against the embattled aerospace company, when on March 9 he was found ***** from a gunshot wound in his car in the parking lot of his hotel. He was 62.

An initial investigation by the county coroner had concluded Barnett’s ****** was an “apparent” ********, but police said they would continue to investigate after requests from Barnett’s family and attorneys. Barnett’s ****** fueled speculation on social media that foul play may have been involved. 

Documents released Friday by police indicate officials have accepted ******** as Barnett’s cause of ******. Investigators closed the case after receiving a ballistics report stating the bullet had been “fired by the firearm located in the victim’s hand” and a completed autopsy from the coroner’s office confirming Barnett ***** by ********. 

Investigators also detailed the contents of a notebook with Barnett’s fingerprints found next to him in the car passenger seat which, according to the police, contained “what amounts to a ******** note.”  A copy of the note was released, in which Barnett told his family and friends he loved them, and wrote “I can’t do this any longer” and “I pray Boeing pays.”

“We remain acutely aware of the sensitivity and public interest surrounding this case,” said a Charleston police spokesperson in a statement. “It is important to emphasize that our investigation was guided strictly by facts and evidence while remaining undisturbed by conjecture and external pressures.”

An attorney for Barnett and his family did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Barnett’s mother, Vicky Stokes, told CBS News in April she holds the aircraft manufacturing giant responsible for the grinding treatment that ultimately left her son despondent.  

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, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email *****@*****.tld.

Michael Kaplan

Michael Kaplan is an award-winning reporter and producer for the CBS News investigative unit. He specializes in securing scoops and crafting long-form television investigations. His work has appeared on “60 Minutes,” CNN and in the New York Times.

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#Boeing #whistleblower #John #Barnett #***** #******** #police #investigation #concludes

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