San Benito County sheriff’s investigators ruled the death of a
17-year-old Hollister resident a suicide after completing an
investigation over the weekend.
San Benito County sheriff’s investigators ruled the death of a 17-year-old Hollister resident a suicide after completing an investigation over the weekend.
After four teenage boys discovered a body hanging in a tree along the San Benito River bed Thursday evening, investigators did not immediately conclude whether it was a suicide or a homicide.
There had been rumors circulating local high school campuses that indicated otherwise, but sheriff’s officials examined all of those tips and ruled it a suicide, according to Lt. Pat Turturici.
“The rumors were taken care of Friday night,” Turturici said.
No other evidence was discovered that indicated foul play, and an autopsy conducted Friday afternoon confirmed the male died from “asphyxia” – or lack of air.
He attended San Andreas Continuation High School, where counselors were available Friday and Monday for students and teachers grieving over the death.
