Moreland, 42, took more than 50 amitriptyline pills, an overdose in "the upper levels of lethal range," Davis said. "It was a very large dose. You can't really mistake that for an accident."
Amitriptyline is a prescription medication used as an antidepressant, a pain reliever or a sleeping aid, Davis said. Moreland's wife, Regina, had been using the pills since three children died in the house during a six-week period last year, he said.
The Morelands' granddaughter, DaJainae Phillips, 1, who lived at the house, died Nov. 10. Her mother found her not breathing. Three days later, a Moreland great niece, Alexis Marshall, 2, of 1333 Wisconsin Blvd., died after she'd been sleeping at the house.
Another granddaughter, Danatta Moreland, 3, of 5036 Northcrest Drive, died there under similar circumstances Dec. 24. In February, Davis ruled the three deaths were homicides, finding they were suffocated or asphyxiated. Police have made no arrests.
Moreland was never a suspect in the homicides, Davis said.
Four other children who lived in the home were removed to foster care after Danatta's death. On Jan. 20, Juvenile Court Judge Michael Murphy gave temporary custody of the children, ages 6 to 11, to Regina Moreland's mother, Cecile O. Marshall. Three are adopted children of Phillip and Regina, and the fourth is their biological granddaughter. A new custody hearing is set for Monday.
Two days before his death, Moreland and his wife won a battle when Murphy granted them unsupervised visits with the children.
But attorney John Rion, who represents the family, said "we noticed a difference in him at the last hearing," adding that Moreland seemed "uptight and depressed at the same time."
Still, Rion said he was stunned to learn Moreland had taken his own life. "It deepens the tragedies here for the children."
Regina Moreland did not wish to comment, Rion said.
Phillip Moreland had been in counseling following the three children's' deaths, Davis said. He had been under stress from the custody battles and was working two full-time jobs, he said.
Moreland's death was likely painless, Davis said. "He would have gone to sleep and quit breathing."
Davis, who seemed shaken by the suicide ruling, said he made the ruling "with heavy heart and a lot of sadness. Mr. Moreland was a linchpin in his family."
* CONTACT Lou Grieco at 225-2057 or e-mail him at lou_grieco@coxohio.com
PHOTO CREDIT: None