An inquest into the death in Bermuda of a wealthy US businessman started this morning.

Peter Pappas - known as Dimitri was found hanging in a closet at the Brightside Apartments in Flatts on June 20, 2005.

His parents have previously told this newspaper they believe the 35-year-old was murdered, and did not commit suicide.

However, Mark Diel, lawyer for the dead man's father, Jack Pappas, said expert evidence the inquest will hear from top US forensic pathologist Michael Baden had "taken a lot of sting out of this inquest."

Mr. Diel said there was no argument between Dr. Baden, hired by the Pappas family, and the expert who examined the body in Bermuda over the cause of death.

Dr. Vernon Bowes, the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital pathologist who conducted the autopsy on June 21 told the inquest this morning that Mr. Pappas' death was due to "self inflicted" hanging.

The death of the businessman, who was based in the Cayman Islands, sparked interest from news organisations both there and in the US.

See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for full story.