The body of Michael Jason Brown was exhumed today for an autopsy and further investigation into his death.

Rowan District Attorney Bill Kenerly petitioned the courts for the action.

Brown was 27 at the time of his death on May 12, 2006, and lived on Lentz Road. His scooter overturned on U.S. 52 between Granite Quarry and Rockwell.

Initially, the N.C. Highway Patrol concluded that Brown’s death was an accident. Relatives questioned the report, though, and in November, Rowan County Sheriff George Wilhelm said his office had opened an investigation into the death. He added that witnesses had come forward, but no charges had been filed.

This morning, Sherriff’s deputies, members of Rowan Rescue Squad and others stood by as the casket was removed.

For full details, see Wednesday’s Salisbury Post.