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BURLINGTON, IOWA -- The following is a press release from the Burlington Police Department:

The homicide investigation stemming from the death of Susan Elizabeth Overton being discovered on April 23, 2010 at 1418 Grove Street, Burlington, Iowa remains under investigation with the development of new information.

As part of the investigation, it was learned that the residence of 1418 Grove Street belonged to Lathern Woodell Painter, Jr. and his estranged wife, Tiffany Lynn Painter.  Lathern “Len” Painter had recently left the residence and had been staying with relatives in West Branch, IA.  Lathern “Len” Painter is Susan Overton’s son-in-law and was interviewed early during the initial death investigation.  After the interview, Lathern “Len” Painter left the Burlington Police Department on Friday, April 23, 2010 at approximately 11:15pm and has remained to be a person of interest in the death investigation of Susan Overton.

As the investigation continued, Lathern “Len” Painter was reported as a missing person by relatives to the West Branch, Iowa Police Department on April 25, 2010.  The West Branch Police Department was conducting a separate missing person investigation related to his disappearance.

On Tuesday, April 27, 2010, West Branch Police contacted investigators and reported that Lathern “Len” Painter, Jr. had been found deceased in a building in West Branch, Iowa.  The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating his death in conjunction with the homicide of Susan Overton.

Lathern “Len” Painter, Jr.’s body was taken to the State Medical Examiners office for an autopsy.  Evidence collected at the scene of his death and initial autopsy findings indicate his death to be a suicide.

The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation and the Burlington Police Department are following up on information and evaluating evidence related to the death of Susan Overton.  This case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Burlington Police Department at 319-753-8353 or Crime Stoppers at 319-753-6835.  Anyone with questions about this release can contact Lt. Dennis Kramer at 319-753-8353 during normal business hours.