Associate Medical Examiner Jacqueline Lee said Friday that her autopsy revealed no obvious signs of homicide, such as bullet or knife marks on bones. Toxicology reports came back with no evidence of drugs in Wachholtz's system. The decomposition of his body hid more subtle evidence that might have provided clues to the cause and manner of his death, Lee said.

The news was not consoling for Wachholtz's friends.

"This doesn't close any door, or help anyone get any closure," said Fred Van Den Abbeel, Wachholtz's former roommate. "Undetermined isn't a very good answer."

Hillsborough County sheriff's Lt. Rod Reder said it is not uncommon for investigators to see autopsies with undetermined causes of death.

"It doesn't help," he said. "It absolutely doesn't help."

Deputies have not called their investigation into Wachholtz's death a homicide investigation. They refrain from using that term until they are sure foul play contributed to a death, Reder said.

"Best case scenario, somebody placed the body there," Reder said. "That doesn't necessarily make it a homicide. That makes it an illegal dumping of a body."

Wachholtz left his home at 5305 Bay Club Circle in a maroon Jeep shortly before midnight Dec. 20. On Jan. 6, a passer-by noticed a body, wrapped in a sheet, inside the Jeep at a Town 'N Country apartment complex. Dental records helped identify the body as Wachholtz.

Reder said he hoped the fact the death of Wachholtz, who was gay, has not been ruled a homicide will quell fears that a someone is targeting the gay community.

The same day Wachholtz disappeared, so did another 26-year-old who frequented gay clubs. Jason Galehouse has not been found. Friends and family have expressed concern that the disappearances were related. Police and sheriff's investigators said all similarities between the two men appear to be coincidental.

Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698.