Man Found Dead In Riverside

A man found hanging on county-owned property near the McDonald’s in Riverside likely committed suicide, authorities said.

A passerby spotted the body on October 3 at about 4 PM in a heavily wooded parcel. Southampton Town Police said the deceased was identified as Cesar Perez, a landscaper who lived on Main Street in Riverhead.

A Suffolk Medical Examiner’s Office investigator responded. Police said their investigation was continuing.

The hanging sent shock waves through the Latino community, which has endured several other hangings in the past two years, at least two of which were deemed as suspicious by some. A rumor that another body was found around the same time as
Perez’s proved false, police said.

According to published reports, Perez, 32, was Mexican but had been in the U.S. since he was a young adult. He was a landscaper and worked in Bridgehampton.

Riverhead police reported Perez was charged with misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation in Aquebogue several months ago. He was held for arraignment and released on $100 bail, officials said.

The area where the body was found is known as Maritime Trail Park, a 14-acre swath of woodland that runs along the Peconic River, opposite downtown Riverhead. There have been public complaints made that it is not safe, particularly at night.

rmurphy@indyeastend.com