Man’s Death Called ‘Suspicious’

Police say the death of a 69-year-old man found in his apartment Monday night appears suspicious.

Authorities said William J. Smith, manager of Harmony House Apartments at 205 Indian Ave., did not appear to die of natural causes.

“We are treating it as a death due to suspicious circumstances,” said Coeur d’Alene Police Capt. Carl Bergh.

The owner of the apartment complex went to visit Smith in the manager’s quarters about 5 p.m. Bergh said the owner knocked, but did not get a response. He then opened the door with a pass key.

The owner, whom police would not identify, found Smith on the floor and called authorities.

Bergh would not reveal details, but said observations at the scene led police to believe Smith’s death was not from natural causes.

“Bill was a straight-up guy, a likable guy, real friendly,” said neighbor Dave Cotton.

No arrests had been made as of late Monday night, Capt. Bergh said. An autopsy will be performed on Smith early today.