On May 27th the Pike County, MO Sheriff’s Office responded to Pike County Hospital after a patient had died. The victim and a second person drove themselves to the hospital after taking methamphetamine, believing they may have over dosed. The second person was treated and released.

Shortly after arriving James P Gregory, 37, passed away. His symptoms prior to passing are consistent with strychnine poisoning. An autopsy is being performed to confirm cause of death.

Strychnine is a main ingredient in rat poison. Folks selling illegal drugs will sometimes add other substances such as fentanyl or strychnine to change the high.

Due to the amount of forensics involved with this type of case it will be a lengthy investigation. Pike County investigators have experience with these types of cases.

On April 11 of this year a Pike County Sheriff’s Deputy testified in front of the Federal Grand Jury for Eastern Missouri, which indicted James M VonVain Jr. age 46, for intentionally distributing heroin to Del Shane McLaughlin, the use of such heroin caused the death of McLaughlin.

All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.