Daniel James Long, a 47-year-old schizophrenic man who previously served a prison sentence for killing his neighbor by blocking a gas flue with a potato, was found dead in his assisted living accommodation in St Austell, Cornwall, in January this year. He was discovered slumped on the floor between his sofa and coffee table by his keyworker during a routine morning welfare check, with two smartphones live-streaming to friends in the United States.
Inquest Reveals Cause of Death
An inquest held in Truro on Tuesday, June 30, revealed that Long died from respiratory depression caused by an overdose of opiates, cannabis, and synthetic opioids. These substances affect the central nervous system and induce severe drowsiness, particularly when combined. The inquest heard that Long had been resuscitated three days prior to his death following a previous opioid overdose.
Detective Constable Holmes, who led the investigation, confirmed that no third party was involved and there were no suspicious circumstances. Senior coroner Andrew Cox recorded a drug-related death conclusion.
Background of Mental Health and Criminal History
Long, also known as Daniel Burgess, had displayed behavioral difficulties from a young age and was diagnosed with schizophrenia early in life. He spent time in a young offenders' institution before serving a prison sentence. In 2017, he received a two-year and eight-month sentence at Exeter Crown Court after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of 48-year-old Michael Horner. Horner died in December 2015 from carbon monoxide poisoning after Long blocked his boiler flue with a potato and expandable foam following a dispute.
Long's mother, Holly Morris, described in a statement how supporting him was challenging. She last contacted him in 2021, when he was living on benefits and using the money to fund an illicit drug habit. She said he constantly asked her for money for drugs but stopped when she refused. At a family reunion, he consumed an entire bottle of vodka, leading to a falling out.
Keyworker's Account
Melvyn Stewart, Long's keyworker, told the hearing that he discovered Long's body and turned off the two live feeds to friends in America so that people could not see what was happening. The inquest also noted that Long had lived in Newlyn and Penzance and had struggled with mental health, anxiety, and substance abuse, leading to estrangement from his family.
