The death last week of New Wilmington resident Bernard A. Hynde has been ruled a result of natural causes.

According to court documents, Hynde, 64, reported to state police that his son — 20-year-old James Hynde — had argued with him, then fatally shot three family dogs. The elder Hynde alleged his son had pointed a rifle at him and threatened to kill him, too.

Police said the younger Hynde also allegedly struck his father repeatedly with objects including a metal-framed car audio system, a hard plastic tool box and a tray.

J. Bradley McGonigle, Mercer County coroner, said deputy coroner Cris Loutzenhiser, was called to the hospital where Hynde died. McGonigle said that because of the altercation the morning of Sept. 27, Loutzenhiser had ordered an autopsy. The autopsy determined it was “a natural death,” McGonigle said.

On Friday, the younger Hynde waived his preliminary hearing. He is being held in the Lawrence County jail on $100,000 bond.

He was charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, terroristic threats and animal cruelty.