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Police: Man Suffers Fatal Heart Attack After Murdering Ex-Lover

SIMI VALLEY (CBS) — The alleged killer of a Ventura County high school teacher suffered a fatal heart attack shortly following the murder, according to Simi Valley police.

The Simi Valley Police Department held a news conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss new details in the beating and stabbing death of 65-year-old Janice Somple.

KNX 1070's Ron Kilgore reports Somple's body was discovered by her boyfriend, whose name has not been released, just before 8 p.m. on May 31 at her home in the 1500 block Carmen Drive.

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"During the early stages of the investigation, the Detective Unit developed significant leads, which included the description of a vehicle and suspect seen leaving Janice's residence earlier in the day on May 31," Sgt. Craig Duran said.

The description of the vehicle matched that of a white van involved in an accident that had also occurred on the afternoon of May 31 at Madera Road and Country Club Drive East in Simi Valley, Duran said.

The driver was identified as 66-year-old Paul Porter. The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Porter died from a heart attack while driving, officials said.

Porter's van was later positively identified as the vehicle seen leaving Somple's home.

"The investigation also determined that Mr. Porter and Janice had a previous dating relationship over 15 years ago. At this stage of the investigation, we believe they parted ways in an amicable manner," Duran said.

Police said Porter acted alone and was the sole person responsible for the murder; however a motive for the crime remains unknown.

"We are seeking the assistance of the public to provide us any information that can help us to determine a motive for this murder," Duran said.

Anyone with information should call Simi Valley police at (805) 583-6969.

Somple taught English at Westlake and Newbury Park high schools for 30 years.

A memorial service for Somple is planned for Saturday.

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