A 43-year-old man was found dead in an Ellicott City motel room yesterday morning, and Howard County police suspect his death was drug-related.

When police answered a call received about 9 a.m. from Brown's Motel in the 8000 block of Baltimore National Pike, they found the body of Donald Edward Eckert of Ellicott City. He is thought to have checked into the motel around Feb. 8, said police spokesman Sgt. Morris Carroll.

"There was evidence of drugs in the room," said Carroll. "We also discovered paraphernalia."

Officials have not ruled out foul play, Carroll said, but the person who found Eckert said the room was locked from inside. Police are awaiting autopsy results.

Pub Date: 2/12/99