Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 20, 1994                   TAG: 9407200106
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

LAWYER APPARENT SUICIDE

Robert Lanier, 47, was supposed to have reported to Buena Vista Circuit Court on Friday afternoon to account for funds in the guardianship account of the late Beulah R. Decker.

The show-cause order was issued after Commonwealth's Attorney Michael S. Irvine, who also serves as the city's commissioner of accounts, requested the action.

Irvine declined comment Tuesday afternoon.

When Lanier failed to appear Friday, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest, Buena Vista Police Chief Lewis Plogger said.

Police unsuccessfully attempted to contact Lanier at his home Tuesday morning before his body was discovered around 2 p.m.

Plogger said police officers entered Lanier's house along with his father. A .38-caliber pistol was found near Lanier's body.

Lanier had last spoken with a family member shortly after noon.

Plogger said Lanier had been shot in the side of his chest.

Lanier, who served two tours in Vietnam, was discharged from the Army in September 1975 as a captain after receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart.

He had practiced law in Buena Vista for four years.

Keywords:
FATALITY