Police address misinformation surrounding Oak Island death investigation

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — The Oak Island Police Department says there is no evidence of foul play in an ongoing investigation into the death of a Henderson woman found in May.

The department released a statement Tuesday addressing public speculation surrounding the May 17 death of 40-year-old Patrice Jones Bass, who was found at a home in the 100 block of Southeast 58th Street.

Police said the investigation remains open while investigators await a full autopsy and toxicology report from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

According to police, the case has not been classified as a homicide. Investigators said no evidence collected at the scene or afterward has indicated signs of violence or criminal activity.

The department said eight Oak Island police officers responded to the initial call, along with Brunswick County EMS and the Oak Island Fire Department. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division searched the scene, canvassed the neighborhood and conducted multiple interviews.

Police said preliminary findings from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner indicate Bass’ injuries are consistent with those sustained in a fall. Unless new evidence emerges, the department said the case will continue to be investigated as a death investigation.

“Out of respect to the immediate families they affect, death investigations are not published unless they present an immediate public safety concern,” the department added.

The statement also addressed a recent article that questioned the department’s handling of the investigation.

Oak Island police described the article as “tabloidism” and disputed claims that town officials ignored or refused to comment on the publication’s questions.

According to police, the article’s author contacted the town while municipal offices were closed for the Independence Day holiday. The department said the town’s communications manager responded, explaining that a same-day response would not be possible because of the holiday, but that the request would be addressed as quickly as possible.

“The Town of Oak Island remains committed to working with legitimate, unbiased sources of reporting, and to providing accurate, transparent information to the public with a focus on responsible community policing,” the town stated.