Detectives investigate dead body

Merced County sheriff's detectives were investigating a possible homicide Thursday after a body was found the day before in an orchard near Highway 59 and Dickenson Ferry Road south of Merced.

Deputy Ed Katen said the identity, gender and age of the victim were not being released Thursday. An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday morning.

The Sheriff's Department also is not releasing any details about the suspected homicide, Katen said. More information will become available after the autopsy.

Detectives were out at the scene all night and early Thursday morning. Katen said they are now following up on a couple of leads.

According to Katen, the property manager was doing a routine check of the orchard when the body was discovered.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Merced County Sheriff's Department at (209) 385-7344.