By Kathryn Reed

The roommate of a South Lake Tahoe man who was found dead in their house Monday morning has been arrested on a second-degree murder charge.

Brad Macewan, 55, of South Lake Tahoe was booked into El Dorado County jail in South Tahoe early this morning. He was being held without bail.

The exact cause of Patrick Lee Rego’s death has not been determined. Sacramento County coroner’s office is doing the autopsy on the 52-year-old from South Lake. Based on caseload, results may be not available for a couple months.

It was Macewan who called police Monday at 3:15am saying Rego was not breathing and had sustained a head trauma.

South Lake Tahoe Detective Jeff Roberson told Lake Tahoe News weapons were found at the residence in the 3700 block of Forest Avenue, but they are not involved with this case. He would not speak about any unconventional weapons that were confiscated when a search warrant was executed the afternoon of July 25.

Roberson would also not comment on the exact relationship of the men.

He said Macewan has a criminal record, but would not elaborate.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Roberson at (530) 542.6134, using case No. 1107-2848.