Norwich ―The 33-year-old man found dead inside his burning Central Avenue apartment Sept. 19 died of smoke inhalation and burns, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled.

Norwich police identified the victim as Madison Barrett, whose body was found in his second-floor 197 Central Ave. apartment by firefighters.

The medical examiner’s office on Monday said the manner of Barrett’s death is pending further study. Norwich police said preliminary investigation indicates no criminal nature to Barrett’s death.

The cause of the fire also remains under investigation by the Norwich and state fire marshals’ offices.

Barrett is the same man arrested by Ledyard police in April 2023 and charged with a hate crime in connection with vandalism and profane graffiti found painted inside the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry. Barrett’s family told police at the time that Barrett had learning disabilities and struggled with mental illness and substance abuse issues.

Barrett’s court case is sealed from public viewing.