Coroner: Norristown Man Died Of Multiple Gunshots

NORRISTOWN, PA — A 56-year-old Norristown man, whose body was discovered early last Tuesday morning on a sidewalk in the 500 block of Noble Street, died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds, Montgomery County First Deputy Coroner Alexander Balacki said Monday.

Stephen Bates’ death has been ruled a homicide, according to the results of an autopsy, Balacki said.

The coroner’s office was notified of Bates' death by a 9-1-1 at 5:16 a.m. Tuesday, June 7.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, Balacki said.

Bates was found lying under shaded trees on the sidewalk in the 500 block of Noble Street, about 25 to 50 yards from the intersection with Marshall Street.

The crime scene then was taped off for several hours as police collected evidence, including bullet casings.

By Wednesday afternoon, a memorial of balloons and flowers was displayed at the scene where the victim's body was discovered.

Meanwhile, police are investigating why it apparently took seven hours until Bates’ body was found.

Norristown Lt. Michael Bishop said the initial call about a shot fired came into police at 11 p.m.

"When the first call came in it was not very specific," Bishop said Wednesday. "The houses are close-by and there is a lot of echoing."

Bishop said the officers spoke to residents and were looking in the area to determine where the shot was fired and did not find a victim.

Norristown Police Chief Derrick E. Wood on Tuesday night said in a prepared statement issued to Patch.com that an internal investigation is being conducted in response to the community concern related to the time when homicide victim discovered on the 500 block of Noble Street.