Dead man found in Theodore Marsh identified

A Plainfield man found shot to death in the Theodore Marsh Forest Preserve last week has been identified.

The Will County Coroner’s Office identified the 19-year-old as Mason Sauseda.

Sauseda suffered a gunshot wound to his head, according to a statement from the coroner’s office.

An autopsy was performed Saturday, the day after Sauseda’s body was found, according to the statement.

Two walkers on a Theodore Marsh path west of Gaylord Avenue and north of Theodore Street came across Sauseda’s body at the same time, an official said last week. They called out to the person lying on the ground about 20 yards off the trail. When there was no response, one of the walkers called 911.

A handgun was located at the scene, according to the Crest Hill police.

Will County Forest Preserve Police Chief Tracy Chapman on Monday said the death remains under investigation.

The statement from the coroner’s office said Sauseda’s “final cause and manner of death will be determined pending the final review of police and toxicological reports.”

Chapman was unwilling to commit to Sauseda’s manner of death but added, “There’s no threat to the community at this time.”