The identity of a man found dead on the side of a secluded road
in unincorporated Morgan Hill Monday night remains a mystery, as
Santa County Sheriff’s Office deputies work to piece together what
happened in the last hours of his life and what caused his
death.
Morgan Hill – The identity of a man found dead on the side of a secluded road in unincorporated Morgan Hill Monday night remains a mystery, as Santa County Sheriff’s Office deputies work to piece together what happened in the last hours of his life and what caused his death.
First spotted about 9pm, the dead man was lying with his upper body on the side of the road in a ditch, his legs in the narrow, tree-lined road behind Borello Farms near the intersection of Cochrane and Half roads and within a mile of the turn-off for Anderson Dam.
A 911 call brought California Highway Patrol Officers to the scene, believing they were responding to a crash, but they quickly realized they had arrived at a crime scene and notified Sheriff’s Office homicide investigators.
By Wednesday afternoon, the crime scene tape was removed from the area, which is yards away from sprawling homes, most of them set well-back on their lots away from the roadway, but the name of the man and his manner of death had not been discovered.
Wise said there was no identification found on the body, and investigating deputies are working with law enforcement agents in surrounding areas who are checking missing persons lists in their areas.
Santa Clara County Coroner’s office representatives said they are still unable to release any information on the man’s identity or the cause of his death.
The man is described as Hispanic, possibly in his 50s or 60s.
Sgt. Dave Lera, a homicide detective with the Sheriff’s Office, said Wednesday that he could not confirm the man was murdered, but his death is being considered suspicious.
When asked if the apparent murder might be gang-related he said though it is early in the investigation, a gang connection is considered doubtful.
A source who saw the body said the man’s face had been battered, and his pants pulled down around his ankles.
Lera said anyone who saw the man lying half in and half out of the narrow roadway Monday night or has any information about the victim or the incident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 808-4500.
