Chemicals similar to those used in drug labs were found inside a Silver Spring home after a man was found dead there Wednesday night, Montgomery County fire officials said.
The homeowner who died has been identified as 35-year-old Ethan Wiley Villemez.
On Wednesday night, Villemez's brother went to his home in the 600 block of Winona Court in the Kemp Mill area after he couldn't get in touch with him. He found his brother's body in the foyer of the home and called 911 shortly after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Villemez was pronounced dead at the scene.
It's not clear how he died, but police say they don't suspect foul play. Family members said Villemez had "long-term health issues," Montgomery County Police said. A medical examiner has not yet released autopsy results.
The chemicals didn't cause any fires or explosions, but a HAZMAT crew went to the scene to help with the substances that were found.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
"You suspect it, but there was nothing you could put your finger on," said Scott Schlesinger, who lives next door to the home.
Schlesinger told News4 that his neighbor was a nice man, but he did wonder about the large greenhouse in the backyard and all the activity at the home.
"He had all kinds of different containers and so on. He said he was making fertilizer or something for his greenhouse," Schlesinger said.
Authorities removed the chemicals and other evidence from the home. They said there is no risk to the public.
