Carbon Monoxide Could Be to Blame for Deaths

The two people found dead Wednesday night may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to Dorchester County Coroner Chris Nisbet.

He said no foul play is expected, but that he cannot confirm the cause of death until SLED finishes the toxicology report. Eric Scott Yates, 31, and Kristina Marie Smith, 31, were reported dead Wednesday night in Twin Oaks.

Carbon monoxide is the likely killer because a generator was found inside one of the home's bedrooms and because of discoloration of the bodies, according to Nisbet. Generators produce the noxious gas, and numerous public agencies warn against having the electricity-producing machine inside the home. 

Watch attached video on safe operating distances for generators by National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Nisbet said the couple died early Tuesday morning. They were discovered about 5 p.m. Wednesday. He said the police department had received complaints from neighbors about the generator running at night, so they might have moved it inside to cut down on complaints.

The home had no electricity from the grid, he said.

While Nisbet has fingered the generator as a likely cause, he has not ruled out possible drug overdose either. According to public records, Smith has had numerous charges related to cocaine possession. Most recently, she had pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine in September. Yates did not have a public record history in either Dorchester or Charleston counties.