Updated 5:30pm, 4/28/14 – I just got off the phone with the LA Dept. of Coroner, who confirmed for me that the investigation into the incident at Bailey Canyon Park is closed. Fifty-four year old Sierra Madre resident and pilot James Cummiskey died from a self-inflicted gunshot. More details can be found here: http://www.losangelesregister.com/articles/cummiskey-598474-sierra-park.html
Updated at 5 15:pm – Press release from SMPD – Death Investigation at Bailey Canyon Park.
The Sierra Police Department is currently assisting with an investigation into the death of a 53 yr. old male at Bailey Canyon Park. Officers were dispatched to the area after several people reported a gunshot victim at the location. Upon the officers arrival at the scene they found the victim in the picnic area being treated by a doctor who was in the area. Paramedics arrived on scene and pronounced the victim dead. A weapon was recovered at the scene and at this time it is being investigated as a suicide. Police Chief Giannone said “this was an unfortunate tragedy for our community. The park was filled with visitors and hikers, several who witnessed this tragic incident”. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification to next of kin. Shortly after we received the above press release, the City tweeted: “Bailey Canyon Park will remain closed the rest of the day. The area will reopen tomorrow morning. We appreciate the Community’s cooperation as the Police Department continues their investigation.”
Posted 4/27/14 – At 1:02pm, the City tweeted that Bailey Canyon is closed until further notice due to a police investigation. I contacted the PD, and they told me they were taking names and numbers, and would have the Chief contact me upon his return. I texted the Chief, and his response was “Case is still under investigation. That’s all I can say right now”.
At about 2:25, an SMPD volunteer re-tweeted the City’s tweet, which also appeared on FB. The volunteer’s comment that accompanied the re-tweet was “This is never the answer. Always reach for help” Sounds like this volunteer thinks there’s a suicide involved. As does Brian Day, listed on Twitter as Crime Reporter: San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, Whittier Daily News, who posted on Twitter using his @SGVCrime handle: “#SIERRAMADRE – Police still yet to comment regarding a body (reportedly an apparent suicide) found today at Bailey Canyon Park.”
We’ll let you know when we learn more.