2 Mendota men found dead, investigation ongoing

Two Mendota men were found dead in a Mendota residence late Tuesday and “multiple criminal investigation services” were sent to aid in the inquiry.

Austin P. Sessler, 24, and Cameron P. Given, 19, were found dead in Sessler’s residence, 302 Ninth Ave., after Mendota police were dispatched at 11:28 p.m. Tuesday following a report of two unresponsive men, Mendota police said in a Wednesday news release.

Coroner Rich Ploch said autopsies were scheduled.

Foul play has not been ruled out, authorities said. Multiple law enforcement sources, however, said preliminary evidence suggests a double overdose, citing unspecified evidence observed and collected at the scene.

La Salle County State’s Attorney Joe Navarro said the deaths are under investigation and extensive forensic analysis is required to make a final determination as to the cause of the deaths.

“However, it is the longstanding policy of this office that when there is a suspected overdose,” Navarro said, “we collect all pertinent information and seize all communication devices, such as cellular telephones, to rule out foul play.”

The La Salle County state’s attorney’s and coroner’s offices and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services all are actively investigating the deaths. Mendota police said Wednesday that no additional information would be released at this time.