Death Of Man Whose Body Washed Up On Beach Appears 'Non-Criminal': Police

LAUREL, NY — The death of a man whose body was found washed up on a Laurel beach is believed to be "non-criminal" in nature, police said.

"Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a death at the request of Southold Police Department. The incident appears to be non-criminal at this time," Suffolk County Assistant Police Commissioner Justin Meyers said.

Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley said this week that the investigation had been turned over to the Suffolk County Police Department homicide squad. But, when asked if criminality was believed to be involved, Flatley said, "I would not make that assumption at this point."

The body of an unidentified male washed up on the Peconic Bay beach, in front of a private residence Sunday, police said.

According to Flatley, an investigation has been initiated by Southold detectives and the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office into the death, police said.

Suffolk County Police said there are a number of reasons, not including criminal cases, why a case would be transferred to the homicide squad.

No further information was immediately available.