Friday, 23 Mar 2007, 3:23 PM CDT http://www.myfoxal.com/myfox/pages/Home/

BESSEMER, Ala (WBRC-TV, MyFoxAl.com) -- A body was found hanging from a tree beside Interstate 59 Friday morning.

Bessemer police received a call at around 6:45 a.m. from passing motorists, who noticed the body hanging from a tree about 25 yards from the interstate at mile marker 107 near the Academy Drive exit.

Police spokesman Sgt. Hank Edwards said the body is that of a 24-year-old white male. Other authorities tell FOX6 News the victim worked for a tree-cutting service, lived near the spot where his body was found, and had a prior criminal history in Bessemer.

Edwards said the Jefferson County coroner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but said investigators are “leaning toward” suicide.

-- Gotta Find My Roogalator