Cause of death determined for man found dead in suitcase in Tinicum Township

TINICUM TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- The Delaware County Medical Examiner has determined that the man who was found dead inside a suitcase in Tinicum Township died from blunt force injuries.

Authorities also say, he suffered a stab wound to the neck.

The victim is identified as 40-year-old Scott Stephen Bernheisel. His last known residence is in Philadelphia.

A man walking his dog made the grisly find Thursday afternoon along 2nd Street, just yards away from Philadelphia International Airport.

"He discovered a very foul odor. He came upon the suitcase and realized the smell was emanating from the suitcase and at that point of time, he called Tinicum Township Police," said Jack Whelan, Delaware County District Attorney.

Police arrived quickly at the scene.

"They looked at the suitcase, they started to discover - by slightly opening it - and they discovered a body was inside," said Whelan.

Investigators believe the badly decomposed body had been there for 3-5 days.

Anyone who was recently in contact with Bernheisel or anyone with information regarding his death is urged to contact County Det. Sgt. William Gordon at 610-891-4703 or Sgt. James Y. Simpkins of Tinicum Township Police at 610-521-3830.