Dead Body Helps Police Uncover Pot Operation in Edina Home

The Edina Police Department is investigating a massive marijuana-growing operation inside of an Edina home, after receiving a call of a dead 37-year-old male at the residence.

Sgt. Brian Tholen said police were called to a home in the 4200 block of West 50th Street on Tuesday evening, Oct. 30, on a report of a death. Authorities reportedly found close to 30 marijuana plants and powerful grow lamps inside of the home. The Southwest Hennepin Drug Task Force is leading the open investigation, which the death is part of.

Tholen said the case is open, meaning he isn't able to provide additional details on the case. He could not confirm whether the Task Force's investigation had been taking place before the man's death.

"We're openly investigating this one," he said.

The Star Tribune spoke with Dale Schneider, who confirmed his 37-year-old son Paul killed himself Tuesday. Paul Schneider had been the lone resident of the home, according to the Strib.

"He was pretty depressed, and he had a lot of things on his mind," Dale Schneider told the paper. 

Schneider has prior convictions in Minnesota, the Star Tribune reports, including a felony weapons charge and two instances of drunk driving.

Lori Miller, Schneider's sister, reportedly found his body Tuesday and placed the call to 9-1-1.

She told the Star Tribune that call was what brought police to the home, but noted she had no idea whether the drug activity played a role in his suicide.

"There was no note," she told the Strib. "We are asking questions too."

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