Published: October 02, 2009 02:33 pm      

Cause in teen’s death remains undetermined

Joshua police are still awaiting toxicology results from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office in the August death of Jonathan William Walden, 18, whose body was found in the backyard of his residence at 508 S. Main in Joshua.

“The medical examiner’s office contacted us Monday to say they’re still working on toxicology,” said Joshua police chief Annabeth Robertson on Thursday.

Walden’s body was discovered by his brother, Christopher.

He was pronounced dead at 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 6. The medical examiner’s office will rule manner of death and cause of death.

Robertson said Thursday there has been no evidence to indicate Walden was a victim of a homicide.

Two friends or acquaintances of the victim posted comments about the victim, a graduate of Harvest Christian Academy, on the Times-Review Web site.

One asked, “What about the two marks on the back of his head? Is that not blunt force trauma? If they are investigating so thoroughly, where is the missing evidence?”

Another said, “It is my understanding that Jonathan was on the telephone with his girlfriend that night. He heard a noise in the yard, told his girl friend to hold the line, and went outside to investigate. Apparently, he never came back indoors.”

In a prepared statement after the death, Robertson said, “With regard to the death of Jonathan Walden, an 18 year old male from Joshua ... the Joshua Police Department is diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. The Medical Examiner’s preliminary autopsy report does not show any blunt force trauma to any part of Jonathan’s body nor any internal injuries sustained from such.

“At this point the evidence does not point toward homicide. Joshua Police Department Investigators are awaiting toxicology reports, which are expected to become available within the next four weeks. The Joshua Police Department expresses our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s family and friends and wants to assure them and the Joshua community that the department is doing everything within its power to find answers for Jonathan’s family members as well as for the department.”

Walden maintained a page on the Internet Web site myspace.com. In his private profile, he described himself as “sooo bored” and added a phone number. He described his mood as “happy.” His final log-in date was July 30, 2009.

On a facebook.com page created in Jonathan Walden’s honor, a friend named Julia said in part:

“Every day i wish you were still here. Went and saw your family the other day. I will be going to your grave soon when i can get up there ... which will be soon I promise baby!”

Walden’s sister Jacquie, on her myspace.com page, carried the following note from Jonathan’s brother Christopher:

“jacquie, when you are outside look at the stars. The brightest one is Jonathan.”