LA MESA : Slaying Suspect Dies in Oregon
A La Mesa man suspected of killing his mother was found dead in a Portland, Ore., park. Police say he apparently committed suicide.
A dog running through Hoyt Arboretum on Wednesday found the body of Dennis S. Hulmes, 45, officials said. Hulmes was wanted in connection with the stabbing death of his mother and with two arson fires in the home they shared, authorities said.
Hulmes died of a bullet wound in his head, medical examiners said. A .22-caliber revolver and a suicide note, which detailed problems Hulmes had with his mother, was found at his side, investigators said.
Shirley Hulmes, 73, was found stabbed to death in her bathtub Saturday. La Mesa firefighters had been called to her home because of a fire in the garage. An electric soldering iron had ignited some newspapers, firefighters said, and an electric barbecue starter was found smoldering in the house.
La Mesa police said they were preparing to seek an arrest warrant for Hulmes when Portland police called about finding his body.
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