Teacher named in Times' rankings may have killed himself *

The body of Rigoberto Ruelas, a 5th grade teacher at Miramonte Elementary in South Gate, was found near his car in the Angeles National Forest. His death is being investigated as a suicide. Media reports say that Ruelas, who was reported missing last week, was upset about pressure at work and being publicly low rated in the L.A. Times' recent database of teacher rankings. Union chief A.J. Duffy jumped on Ruelas' death to attack the paper. ABC 7, KTLA, SGV Tribune wires

* Times statement: "We understand that the Sheriff’s department is currently investigating Mr. Ruelas death. We extend our sympathy to his family," according to NBC 4's Robert Kovacik on Twitter.