UPDATE: Man Blows Self Up Outside Home

An investigation was underway Monday into the death of a man who may have committed suicide by blowing himself up at his Costa Mesa home.

Kevin E. Harris, 52, was killed in a Sunday evening blast at 3152 Bermuda Drive, Costa Mesa police Lt. Greg Scott said, adding that Harris lived alone.

Earlier, around 5:40 p.m., someone called police and paramedics to say Harris had fallen near the front porch of his home and needed medical help, Scott said.

Harris, who was found sitting on the porch, told police he didn't want any help, so they left, Scott said.

About two hours later, an explosion rocked the house, and Harris was found dead in the front doorway, Scott said. It was unclear if the explosion was accidental or intentional, he said.

Police evacuated more than a dozen neighboring homes while authorities combed the house for more explosives, Scott said. Orange County Sheriff's bomb squad investigators and Costa Mesa police later found two more devices that were safely detonated, Scott said.

Evacuated residents remained out their homes Monday. American Red Cross volunteers were helping them find temporary lodging.

Harris had two surveillance cameras outside his home, Scott said.

Neighbors told the Los Angeles Times that Harris suffered from mental illness, wrapped his home in foil and posted cryptic notes on a tree in his yard. He also wrote a 17,000-word online essay that said, "I think it many be dangerous for you to come to my house alone."

-- City News Service