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UPDATE: Man Found Dead In Central Park Playground With Multiple Lacerations On Body: Police

December 11, 2023 | 12:42 PM - Updated on December 12, 2023 | 9:50 AM
in CRIME
3
WSR.

By Gus Saltonstall

A man was found dead Monday morning in Central Park with multiple lacerations throughout his body, police said.

The deceased man was found shortly after 8:30 a.m. near Center Drive and 62nd Street, according to police, but multiple publications reported that he was specifically discovered within Heckscher Playground.

Any NYPD spokesperson told the Rag that he appears to have cuts and puncture wounds around his chest and neck.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death and the investigation remains ongoing.

The identity of the deceased is pending family notification and there is no information about a possible suspect. NYPD did not confirm if criminality is suspected in the incident.

UPDATE, Tuesday, 10 a.m.: The man found in the Central Park playground on Monday morning has been identified as Brooklyn resident Ian Stapp, 37, police said. A cause of death has not been confirmed as of Tuesday morning, but Assistant Chief Ruel Stephenson said at a press conference on Monday afternoon that the “preliminary theory and investigation indicates that his injuries could have been self-inflicted.”

A knife with blood on it was discovered in the pocket of the man, police said.

If you’re depressed or thinking about suicide, you can call or text 988 for immediate help. The 988 Lifeline Chat and Text service is available 24/7. Your conversations are free and confidential.

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Please limit comments to 150 words and keep them civil and relevant to the article at hand. Comments are closed after six days. Our primary goal is to create a safe and respectful space where a broad spectrum of voices can be heard. We welcome diverse viewpoints and encourage readers to engage critically with one another’s ideas, but never at the expense of civility. Disagreement is expected—even encouraged—but it must be expressed with care and consideration. Comments that take cheap shots, escalate conflict, or veer into ideological warfare detract from the constructive spirit we aim to cultivate. A detailed statement on comments and WSR policy can be read here.

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Christine E
Christine E
1 year ago

Poor man. Poor UK tourists and their scarred children.

https://nypost.com/2023/12/11/metro/man-found-dead-in-central-park-playground-shoelace-wrapped-around-neck-sources/

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Kevin
Kevin
1 year ago
Reply to  Christine E

Later reports are saying the “shoelace” was actually a hoodie string. However, the theme of “taking one’s own life” is still high on the list, as strange as that might sound in this case. This is, indeed, a developing situation.

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Michael
Michael
1 year ago

Dear WSR, Please don’t miss the opportunity to help those who may be thinking about self-harm. Please post the following statement within any future article dealing with suicide.

If you’re depressed or thinking about suicide, you can call or text 988 for immediate help. The 988 Lifeline Chat and Text service is available 24/7. Your conversations are free and confidential.

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