Police: Death site had active meth lab

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Police announced the discovery of meth-related manufacturing products at the scene of a death investigation on Friday.

Police believe there was an active methamphetamine lab operating at the vacant store unit where one woman was found dead and one woman was taken to a hospital in serious condition on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Dana M. Gersper, 33, of Fort Wayne, was found dead at a vacant store unit at 4331 S. Anthony Blvd. that was reportedly being used for storage. A second woman was taken to the hospital in serious condition, but her condition deteriorated to critical condition on Friday. Police explain why they didn't see the bodies when they were first called to the scene on Wednesday.

"We go in with the (representative), do a visual scan, go back into another hallway, and check that area, nothing," said Fort Wayne Police Public Information Officer, Raquel Foster.

On Thursday, NewsChannel 15 learned that the space has since been condemned and was found with a bed in it, portable kerosene heaters, portable propane heaters and a portable generator in the bathroom. The space had no running water, electricity, heat or ventilation.

Police believe two other people, a man and a woman, were also involved. Police said they both left the scene and was transported to a hospital, but not a hospital in Fort Wayne. Police said there was a reason for them going to a hospital outside Allen County.

"They did not want to associate themselves with this incident," Foster said.

Foster said police believe the anonymous caller who made the initial call has crucial information to this case. Police are also looking into who could have had access to the vacant building. Foster tells NewsChannel 15 that the only person who had a key to the building beside the owner was a contractor. They have yet to speak with the contractor, but hope to talk with him.

This is now being investigated as a criminal investigation.

The Methamphetamine Suppression Unit was called in on Wednesday to assist in the investigation once evidence of meth-related products was found. Evidence of meth manufacturing was also found in a car.

This is an ongoing investigation with the City of Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Coroner’s Office, and the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.