03may05 Snake remains main suspect



A MAN believed to have been killed by his pet snake was one of just nine people in South Australia to hold an owner's permit for a Queensland scrub python.



The experienced snake handler, Erik Attmarsson, 28, was found dead in a room of his Tanunda home on Sunday.



A 5.2m-long Queensland scrub python -- the largest breed of snake in Australia -- was found in the same room.



Initially, police had not been able to find the snake, which was not in its enclosure within the house. The python was later removed from the home by National Parks and Wildlife officers.



On Sunday, police said marks found on Mr Attmarsson's face could be consistent with being crushed to death by a scrub python.



Yesterday, however, police would not confirm the extent of injuries found on his body.



Mr Attmarsson, who moved to SA from Sweden last year, lived alone in the Mattiske Rd home.



The exact cause of his death is expected to be released in results from an autopsy, which is being conducted today.

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