A man’s rotting body was found in a chimney of a Nebraska apartment, a month after neighbors heard mysterious screams.
The body has been identified as Zachariah Andrews, 29, who was discovered on October 19 at 1414 S 3rd Street in Norfolk.
A handyman investigating a suspicious odor coming from the building’s chimney became concerned when he saw what appeared to be a shoe dangling from it.
Capt. Michael Bauer said Andrews was identified as the man in the chimney by his scars, marks, tattoos and identification card found on him.
The rotting body of Zachariah Andrews (pictured) was discovered in a chimney at 1414 S 3rd Street in Norfolk on October 19
It is unclear how he ended up in the chimney (photo) and how long he was there. His body was found after a handyman investigated a suspicious odor coming from the building’s chimney and said he saw what appeared to be a human shoe dangling from it.
Norfolk police had been to the apartment repeatedly after residents of the building complained of loud shouting and when a parking ticket was placed on his car.
Andrews’ body was recovered from the chimney by local police and firefighters along with Platte Valley Media Group first report of the discovery.
He was last seen on September 15, and the next day police received a call from a tenant at the apartment complex who claimed they heard unknown screaming.
The tenant told police they heard a man screaming for help for about three to four minutes, but it stopped just before two officers arrived.
Police found a loud television when they checked one of the apartments before telling the tenant to call back if the screaming returned.
On September 20, police were back at the apartment after a parking ticket was placed on Andrews’ car, which was parked right in front of the building where he was found.
He was officially reported missing on October 3, the same day the Madison County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for his arrest on seven counts of violation of a protective order.
Captain Michael Bauer said Andrews (pictured) was identified as the man in the chimney by the scars, marks, tattoos and identification card found on him. His body was removed from the chimney by local police and fire brigades
Andrews’ body was found in the chimney of an apartment building at 114 S 3rd Street in Norfolk, Nebraska, after police were repeatedly called to the address after other tenants complained of loud screaming
The police are still investigating, but assume the death was accidental. In a statement, Norfolk Police said they had previously been in contact with his family since the investigation began
Andrews was previously charged in 2018 for allegedly trying to seduce a 12-year-old girl via Facebook. He was also charged with resisting arrest when he kicked police officers as they tried to arrest him for assaulting a man in April last year.
In recent months, Andrews continued to post messages on his Facebook in an attempt to reach an unknown woman. The New York Post reported.
Several of his friends told him to “let her go” and one advised him to “remember what he learned during treatment.” It is unclear which treatment he participated in.
Andrews claimed police reviewed his love letters to her before telling him his goals for being with her were unrealistic, reports said.
“I actually want to prove them wrong,” he reportedly wrote in May.
He was accused of resisting arrest when he kicked police officers as they tried to arrest him for assaulting a man in April last year.
Andrews’ friend Josh Isenbart posted about his death on Facebook, saying, “I couldn’t imagine how you felt when you were trapped, but now you are free, my brother, free in the hands of gods!” Spread your wings angel.
On September 16, police were called to the apartment complex after a tenant heard a man screaming for help. Bauer said the two officers who responded were told the screaming lasted about three to four minutes, but stopped just before authorities arrived.
The New York Post reported that Andrews continued to post messages on his Facebook in recent months in an attempt to reach an unknown woman. Several of his friends told him to “let her go” and one advised him to “remember what he leaned on during treatment.”
“I will cherish every day I had there with you, until we meet again, my friend. You are no longer suffering and are now in the best place you can be.”
The police are still investigating, but assume the death was accidental.
In a statement, Norfolk Police said they had previously been in contact with his family since the investigation began.
DailyMail.com contacted Norfolk Police, who said there were no updates on the investigation.