Man found dead in Hazel Dell was homicide victim, police say

Clark County Major Crimes detectives continue to investigate the slaying of a 61-year-old man whose body was found Monday night in the parking lot of Riverview Community Bank in Hazel Dell.

The death of David Michael Gates, a homeless man who frequented the Hazel Dell area and regularly visited businesses there, is considered a homicide, according to a bulletin issued Thursday afternoon.

Gates’ body was first discovered about 8 p.m. Monday in the parking lot of the branch at 1220 N.E. 88th St.

In Thursday’s bulletin, presumably after an autopsy was conducted, detectives said they are not releasing exactly what killed Gates.

In fact, the bulletin said deputies have little information about Gates.

As a result, deputies are asking the public to call in tips, including about where Gates was Sunday and Monday — and about the people Gates spent time with.

Those with information are asked to call detectives Kevin Harper or Lindsay Schultz with the Major Crimes Unit at 1-877-274-6311; or email them at CCSOMCU@gmail.com.

John Branton: 360-735-4513 or john.branton@columbian.com.

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