Atkinson man died from drug overdose

From the Eagle Tribune;

Atkinson man died from drug overdose
By Eric Parry
eparry@eagletribune.com

ATKINSON — A 42-year-old Atkinson man who was assaulted in his home six days before his death died from a drug overdose, according to a toxicology report released yesterday.

Police Chief Philip Consentino said Shawn Abate died on March 6 from the toxic effects of ethanol, cocaine and opiates. The manner of death was an accident, according to the autopsy.

Family members acknowledge Abate used drugs off and on throughout his life, but some believed the injuries he sustained in a home invasion six days before his death killed him.

Police are still investigating the assault, but so far no one has been arrested.

Alisa Chagnon, Abate's sister, said earlier this week she spoke with her brother about three hours before he died. She said she would have known if he were using drugs at the time of his death.

She could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Police said Abate was having a party at his condominium at 1 Rosewood Court on Feb. 28 when an argument broke out. Two people left the party and came back a short while later and beat Abate, Consentino said.

Chagnon said the two men who assaulted her brother did not attend the party, which included just four or five people, earlier in the night. She said Abate was sleeping when he was attacked with a golf club and billy club.

He had already been taken to the hospital by the time police arrived, she said. Chagnon said her brother received 47 stitches on his head.

Three days after the attack, Abate went to Lawrence General Hospital for a CT scan, but died three days later while awaiting the results.

Abate had frequent run-ins with police over the last several years. His criminal record includes convictions for drug possession, and several assault and criminal threatening charges.