The death of actor PeteDuel, found sprawled
naked under his Christmas tree soon after he had watched his own
television Weston show, probably was suicide, police said yesterday.
The 31-year-old star of the Western series
"Alias Smith and Jones" was found by his girl-friend
Diane Ray on Friday soon after they had watched the show together
.
His 38-calibre revolver was near his feet, his fingerprints on
the gun and there was a bullet wound in his head, police said.
The Los Angeles County Coroner (Mr. Noguchi), who performed an autopsy. said: "The autopsy findings are consistent with a self-inflicted wound".
But he ordered behavioral scientists to study the life style of Duel, reported to be despondent lately over a drink problem, to try to establish further the manner of his death.
The actor, a doctor's son who changed his name from Peter Deuel, had been charged with drunken driving three times between 1967 and 1970 and had been barred by a court from drinking, driving and going into bars.
"Alias Smith and Jones" is shown on Channel 7 at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Photo Caption:
Peter Duel. . . gun found nearby. --AAP-AP cable photo
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