Investigation into homicide continues

SNELLING -- No new details were released Thursday in a homicide case involving the body of a man found under a bridge near Snelling this week.

The victim, a Latino man, was discovered by a passerby early Wednesday morning in a creek directly under the bridge on La Grange Road, about three miles north of Merced Falls Road.

Deputy Tom MacKenzie, spokesman for the Merced County Sheriff's Department, said investigators are still working to determine the man's identity. No suspects have been taken into custody.

An autopsy was conducted Thursday, although investigators have not released the results.

The death is the third reported homicide in Merced County this year.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the crime to call the department's investigations unit at (209) 385-7472. Calls are kept confidential, and you can remain anonymous.

-- Victor A. Patton