The Claytons’ grand home sat majestically on the exclusive Lake Wylie peninsula in South Carolina. A short walk through the trees and married couple Steven and Lana could enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and scenery. Then back at their pillared $1million mansion, they had a home that was the height of luxury. It was a perfect balance. Successful businessman Steven, 64, was originally from Florida and by 2018, he was retired and making the most of his wealth. He had over $1million worth of assets, too, which helped him indulge in his passions for collecting art, drinking fine wine, playing golf, going hiking and boating. Steven had also worked tirelessly to restore his property to its former glory. Steven was well-known in the area and had a big personality. Most people he met would go on to become his friend – whatever their walk of life. He’d mentor up-and-coming business minds, coach local teens and share his advice to whoever asked. Read More Related Articles Mum found dead with bag over head just weeks after sending husband ultimatum Read More Related Articles Bride-to-be stabbed days after proposal, then buried in her unworn wedding dress A fatal fall Lana, 53, was his seventh wife. Steven was a hopeless romantic and having not had any children, he poured himself into his relationships. Lana worked as a nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and regularly attended Bible class, so her compassion seemed to equal Steven’s big heart. They’d been married five years and shared their home with their beloved Italian greyhounds. But then, on July 21, tragedy struck. Steven was found at the bottom of the stairs at home. It looked as though he had tripped at the top and the fall had been fatal. Lana was now a widow and the community was heartbroken by the death of this philanthropist. Although it was deemed Steven had died from natural causes, an autopsy was requested as there were some unusual circumstances. Steven’s mattress and clothing were soaked in urine, suggesting he’d been in bed, incapacitated. Investigators wanted to know what illness might have caused Steven to lose his footing and stumble down the stairs. Read More Related Articles Nurse 'poisoned five babies by giving them breast milk containing morphine' As the coroner waited for the results, Lana held her husband’s memorial at their home and tributes poured in. But when the autopsy results were ready, it raised some worrying questions. Steven had high levels of the chemical tetrahydrozoline in his system. It’s an ingredient found in the eye drops Steven had used, with the brand name Visine. When used properly – externally, in the eyes – it is harmless and perfectly safe but, when taken orally, it passes quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, rapidly reaching the blood and the central nervous system. It restricts blood vessels and becomes poisonous. Symptoms include drowsiness, slow breathing or absence of breathing, slow heart
Dead millionaire looked like he'd tripped - but blood tests led to murder hunt
The Claytons’ grand home sat majestically on the exclusive Lake Wylie peninsula in South Carolina. A short walk through the trees and married couple Steven and Lana could enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and scenery. Then back at their pillared $1million mansion, they had a home that was the height of luxury. It was a perfect balance. Successful businessman Steven, 64, was originally from Florida and by 2018, he was retired and making the most of his wealth. He had over $1million worth of assets, too, which helped him indulge in his passions for collecting art, drinking fine wine, playing golf, going hiking and boating. Steven had also worked tirelessly to restore his property to its former glory. Steven was well-known in the area and had a big personality. Most people he met would go on to become his friend – whatever their walk of life. He’d mentor up-and-coming business minds, coach local teens and share his advice to whoever asked. Read More Related Articles Mum found dead with bag over head just weeks after sending husband ultimatum Read More Related Articles Bride-to-be stabbed days after proposal, then buried in her unworn wedding dress A fatal fall Lana, 53, was his seventh wife. Steven was a hopeless romantic and having not had any children, he poured himself into his relationships. Lana worked as a nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and regularly attended Bible class, so her compassion seemed to equal Steven’s big heart. They’d been married five years and shared their home with their beloved Italian greyhounds. But then, on July 21, tragedy struck. Steven was found at the bottom of the stairs at home. It looked as though he had tripped at the top and the fall had been fatal. Lana was now a widow and the community was heartbroken by the death of this philanthropist. Although it was deemed Steven had died from natural causes, an autopsy was requested as there were some unusual circumstances. Steven’s mattress and clothing were soaked in urine, suggesting he’d been in bed, incapacitated. Investigators wanted to know what illness might have caused Steven to lose his footing and stumble down the stairs. Read More Related Articles Nurse 'poisoned five babies by giving them breast milk containing morphine' As the coroner waited for the results, Lana held her husband’s memorial at their home and tributes poured in. But when the autopsy results were ready, it raised some worrying questions. Steven had high levels of the chemical tetrahydrozoline in his system. It’s an ingredient found in the eye drops Steven had used, with the brand name Visine. When used properly – externally, in the eyes – it is harmless and perfectly safe but, when taken orally, it passes quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, rapidly reaching the blood and the central nervous system. It restricts blood vessels and becomes poisonous. Symptoms include drowsiness, slow breathing or absence of breathing, slow heart
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