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GREENSBORO — A 76-year-old robbery victim, found dead inside his McLeansville home in December, most likely died from heart failure, according to an autopsy report released Friday.

Charles H. Brown Sr., who was found on Dec. 16, is believed to have died from an acute lethal cardiac arrhythmia — precipitated by being tied up and assaulted — according to an autopsy released by the N.C. Medical Examiner’s Office.

The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office reported that there were signs of forced entry at Brown’s home at 4922 Streamside Drive and that he was found dead inside an office at the back of the residence.

Brown was a rare-coin collector, and a safe in his ransacked office was left standing open, according to members of the man’s church, who found his body after going to check on him.

The autopsy, signed by Dr. John D. Butts, states that Brown was found lying on his side. His ankles and wrists were tightly bound with pairs of black zip ties.

The autopsy also notes multiple “rounded imprints” on his body consistent with coins.

There was only minor bruising on the man’s body, and the medical examiner found no significant internal injuries.

Butts notes that Brown had a history of cardiac disease, which likely contributed to his death.

Sheriff’s investigators have ruled Brown’s death as a homicide; they also have said there were no witnesses.

Brown is believed to have died a day before his body was found.

It’s not clear whether anything is missing from his residence, according to the sheriff’s office.

No arrest has been made in the case.

Anyone with information about Brown’s death is urged to call the sheriff’s office at 641-3690 or Crime Stoppers at 373-1000.

Crime Stoppers callers remain anonymous and are eligible for cash rewards.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com