Cause of death determined for body found in suitcase near airport

A stab wound to the neck and multiple blunt-force injuries caused the death of the 40-year-old man whose body was found Thursday inside a suitcase near Philadelphia International Airport, according to the Delaware County Medical Examiner's Office.

The death of Scott Stephen Bernheisel, of Philadelphia, has thus been ruled a homicide, the Medical Examiner's Office said.

Bernheisel's remains were found by a man walking on the 1000 block of Second Street in Tinicum Township. Bernheisel's 140-pound body was stuffed inside a red leather suitcase about 20 feet off the roadway, authorities said.

Emily Harris, spokeswoman for the Delaware County District Attorney's Office, said Saturday afternoon that there was no additional information available about the investigation.

Bernheisel had a history of drug arrests, according to court records. In 2014, he pleaded guilty to possession, and in 2013 he pleaded guilty to a count of manufacturing, delivery, or possession.

Police ask that anyone with information about the killing contact Detective Sgt. William Gordon at 610-891-4703, or Sgt. James Simpkins at 610-521-3830.