Johnny Lewis, ex-"Sons of Anarchy" actor, not on drugs when he allegedy killed landlady, fell to death: autopsy

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Johnny Lewis poses for a portrait during the 36th Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 14, 2011.

/ AP

(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Former "Sons of Anarchy" star Johnny Lewis, suspected of killing his 81-year-old landlady before taking a fatal fall, did not have drugs in his system when he died, according to an autopsy report released on Thursday.

Pictures: "Sons of Anarchy" actor dies, also suspect in murder

Lewis had been recently released from jail and had a string of drug-related arrests before apparently killing Catherine Davis in her home and then falling to his death in her driveway on Sept. 26.
His attorney had speculated he might have been in a drug-induced psychosis during the tragic incident.

Toxicology results on Lewis found no traces of cocaine, alcohol, marijuana or any other types of drugs in the actor's system. Officials checked for anti-psychotic drugs as well as psychedelic drugs.

An autopsy report noted that Lewis had nail marks on both sides of his neck when he died and had suffered partial strangulation. His death was ruled accidental because there was no evidence he attempted to kill himself or that he had been pushed.

Police believe Lewis fell while trying to flee Davis' home after her killing. The 81-year-old operated a retreat for writers and actors out of her home.

Lewis played Kip "Half-Sack" Epps on the TV drama "Sons of Anarchy" in 2008 and 2009 before his character was killed off.

More on Crimesider
September 28, 2012 - Johnny Lewis: Actor reportedly had mental health problems, may have been drugs
September 27, 2012: Johnny Lewis, "Sons of Anarchy" TV show actor, allegedly kills landlady then dies in fall