Suicide Suspected in Simi Hanging
A man who had been dead several days was discovered Saturday hanging from a tree in Simi Valley, authorities said.
James Reese, 48, was a homeless man from Simi Valley, Deputy Coroner Jim Wingate said.
Police suspect that Reese, found in a large field off the westbound on-ramp of California 118 at Tapo Canyon Road, committed suicide, said Lt. Don Austin of the Simi Valley Police Department.
“He was hanging by a rope like he hanged himself,” Austin said.
Police received the report of the body, which was not visible from the road, about 10:15 a.m., Austin said. The body apparently had been hanging for several days, Austin said.
Foul play is not suspected in Reese’s death, Austin said.
The exact cause of Reese’s death will be determined by an autopsy, which is scheduled for Sunday, Austin said.
Austin said police had had contact with Reese in the past, though Austin said he did not know whether Reese had been arrested.
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