SAILOR MURDER SUSPECT COMMITS SUICIDE

The man accused of murdering a gay US soldier has committed suicide in his cell.

Petty Officer Jonathan Campos died of self-inflicted asphyxiation, said a statement from the US military.

Campos was charged with the murder of gay American Seaman August Provost III at Camp Pendleton in California on June 30.

He was accused of shooting Provost multiple times after a confrontation during Provost’s guard duty. Campos then allegedly set fire to the guard shack in order to get rid of the evidence.

Campos had been convicted of previous offences, including theft and drug possession.

The motive for the murder has not been made public, but the Navy has insisted that the killing is not connected to Provost’s sexual orientation as was claimed by the slain sailor’s family and gay rights groups.