Body found in Santa Barbara park

BY ERIC LINDBERG
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

A Santa Barbara resident made a grisly discovery while on a stroll in Thornbury Park on Sunday afternoon, stumbling across a body near the trail.
Police received the call from the resident just before 3 p.m. and headed into the hilly terrain behind a condo complex in the 900 block of Miramonte Drive armed with assault rifles. Officers returned minutes later, having found the body of a man in his late 30s to early 40s.

Authorities released little information about the possible crime scene, but did confirm a handgun was found near the body.
“Due to the unusual circumstances of the body, it’s being investigated as a suspicious death,” Sgt. Dave Gonzales said.
He said the body appeared to have been there for at least several hours. Nobody in the area reported hearing gunshots or suspicious activity.
Authorities said the death is most likely a suicide, but added they will continue to investigate until all other possibilities are ruled out.
“We treat it as a homicide until we can determine it’s not,” Sgt. Gonzales said.
As of Sunday evening, authorities reportedly identified the man but were not releasing the name pending next-of-kin notification.
Police had combed over the scene for evidence and turned the body over to the coroner’s office by 6 p.m.