By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2009 Journal Group Link International)

Filipino-American Veterinarian Dies of Drug-Ecstasy Abuse

C HICAGO, Illinois (JGLi) – The Filipino-American veterinarian who was found dead last Dec. 5th in the basement of an apartment in Chicago, Illinois, had allegedly died of abuse of the designer drug, Ecstasy.

Deputy Chief Cook County Medical Examiner Mitra Kelelkar told this reporter Tuesday (March 16) that Leo Dennis Agustin, a doctor of veterinary medicine, that she had determined that based on the toxicology results, the cause of death of Dr. Agustin was abuse of the drug, popularly known as Ecstasy or MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), a synthetic, psychoactive drug that is chemically similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. MDMA produces feelings of increased energy, euphoria, emotional warmth, and distortions in time, perception, and tactile experiences.

Dr. Kelelkar added that the secondary cause of death of Dr. Agustin, who would have turned 40 last Feb. 9th, is coronary atherosclerosis (also known as arteriosclerotic vascular disease or ASVD). It is the condition in which an artery wall thickens as the result of a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol.

She added that the third cause of the death of Dr. Agustin is “multiple injury, a punch on the face that caused his broken nose, lip laceration and swelling of eyes.”

She said Chicago police investigators told her Dr. Agustin injuries came from bare knuckles, beating and Dr. Agustin even took picture of his own injuries. And afterwards, he took drugs while a male friend was intoxicated.

According to sources from the Agustin family, there were three people, who witnessed the death of Agustin – Justin Fliss, a friend, a Gary McMickle and McMickle’s wife, Jamie McBain.

Chicago police investigators would not confirm if they were able to get statements from the witnesses.

When reached for comment, Det. Russell Egan of the Chicago Police Area 4 station told this reporter that he and his partner investigating the case, Det. Vincent Alonzo, have yet to receive the findings of Dr. Kelelkar.

Detective Egan said that as soon as they received the autopsy report, they are going to evaluate it and refer the matter to the Cook County State Attorneys’ Office for the disposition of the case.

“Although, the case happened a long time ago, we don’t have control of the findings of the autopsy report,” Egan explained.

“As soon as we have the report, we will meet with family of Dr. Agustin and explain to them the case.” Egan added.

Agustin, a bachelor and a native of Cabanatuan City in the Philippines, of suburban Naperville, Illinois, is the son of Dr. Cesar C. Agustin, also a veterinarian and alumnus of the University of the Philippines, and a native of San Jose, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines, and the former Corazon Aquino of Cabanatuan City.

Leo Dennis Agustin was found dead at the 2200 West Warren in Chicago’s west side at about 6:15 p.m. by someone, who called the police, according a police spokesman, who told this reporter.

In his obituary, Leo Dennis was described as someone who studied “the spirit of all beings from animals to plants and loved the whole world as his village.”

A graduate of Benet Academy (1988), a high school in Lisle, Illinois, Dennis took up veterinary program at Ross University (1994) in West Indies in the Caribbean, where he completed his veterinary degree.

Dennis practiced as a Veterinarian in his family-owned Aamerican Veterinary Hospitals in Bolingbrook and Oak Park, Illinois.

His customers call him, "Doc Dennis" and is adored by his faithful canine companions: Mulan, Godiva, and Chaco.

Dennis' passions included music, dance, science, photography, pop culture, good food, and above all, every chance to enjoy these with loved ones.

Dennis was a giver of gifts ranging from grand outings to countless souvenirs. But Dennis' greatest gift was to inspire, according to his obit.

“He used technology to connect, comfort and delight. Dennis found meaning in all arts, sharing wisdom from classical poetry to song lyrics. An affectionate intuitive healer, Dennis' mind was only outshone by his heart. Dennis answered life with a smile that all who knew him will forever cherish.” (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

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