Boeing whistleblower John Barnett died by suicide, police investigation concludes

An extensive law enforcement investigation has determined the cause of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett's death was suicide, according to documents released Friday by the Charleston Police Department.

Barnett had been in Charleston, South Carolina, giving testimony in his whistleblower case against the embattled aerospace company, when on March 9 he was found dead from a gunshot wound in his car in the parking lot of his hotel. He was 62.

An initial investigation by the county coroner had concluded Barnett's death was an "apparent" suicide, but police said they would continue to investigate after requests from Barnett's family and attorneys. Barnett's death fueled speculation on social media that foul play may have been involved.