New Hanover County detectives are investigating the death of a man found hanging from a tree near Sutton Lake.
The victim, 46-year-old John Cornelius Stanton, was found dead in the area of Sutton Lake Road at about 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Lt. Jerry Brewer.
Detectives began to investigate Stanton’s whereabouts after his body was discovered and their work is ongoing, Brewer said.
Police were searching for Stanton, who was wanted on charges of attempted second-degree rape and kidnapping in connection with a sexual assault that reportedly occurred at a salon in the 400 block of Eastwood Road just after 4 p.m. Monday, Wilmington Police Department Spokeswoman Linda Rawley said.
The suspect allegedly attempted to sexually assault a client behind the salon, Rawley said. The victim of the alleged assault escaped with minor injury, Rawley said.
Check back for more details on this developing story.
