The Kern County Coroner says the suspect wanted in that massive 18-day manhunt in the mountains east of Bakserfield shot himself.
34-year old Benjamin Ashley died Saturday night during a shooting involving two deputies outside a mini-mart in Inyokern.
Kern County Chief Deputy Curtis Cornelison said Ashley had six gunshot wounds from the deputies. But he also said he had one self-inflicted gunshot wound to the mouth.
Monday, the coroner’s office, which is part of the sheriff’s office, reported that Ashley died of “multiple gunshot wounds and the manner was homicide.” By ruling the death a homicide, the coroner’s office determined Ashley was killed by deputy gunfire.
On Tuesday, Cornelison explained why “homicide” was listed as the manner of death, instead of suicide, even though Ashley’s own shot is considered fatal.
Ashley was wanted on a warrant for kidnapping, murder, and attempted murder of a peace officer.
