This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Dead Woman Found Packed in Dry Ice During 'Routine' Drug Bust*
Unrelated photo of Ben & Jerrys' shipment of dry ice via AmyMo's flickr.
*UPDATE, Monday, March 10, 11:10 a.m.: The woman was on dry ice, apparently for 'religious reasons' and does not appear to be murdered. Full story can be found here.
What killed a 33-year-old woman discovered packed in dry ice in the Newport Beach hotel room of a cocaine dealer?The few details are embarrassing sketchy at best pending CSI-style detectivery. The body was "well preserved" according to police who raided Stephen David Royds' room at the Fairmont after being tipped off that dudeman was selling cocaine on the premises. Newport Beach police stated that the woman's death did not appear to be a homicide.
The woman's body was discovered in Room 966, which stood out conspicuously when viewed from a stairwell. Two magnum-sized bottles of sake on the balcony looked as if they had been jury-rigged as makeshift lamps, with screw-in light-bulb fixtures attached to their spouts. Visible inside was a box labeled "Spy Vision: Night-Vision Goggles," a toy that sells for about $15 online. -- OC Register
So, dear readers, can we beat the NBPD to a conclusion here? Is this what typically takes place in swank Orange County hotels?
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
