A body found in an empty Vista lot has gone from puzzling to deeply suspicious, after an autopsy uncovered signs of possible head trauma and kicked off a full-scale homicide investigation.
Deputies were called to the 1200 block of Hacienda Drive on Monday, where they found a person dead in the vacant area. The San Diego County Medical Examiner took custody of the remains while detectives began working to sort out what happened and how.
Responding deputies initially did not see obvious signs of trauma at the scene, according to CBS 8. The case was later turned over to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit as investigators moved to take a closer look.
The autopsy shifted everything. The county medical examiner’s office found a brain bleed that may have been caused by head trauma, according to the report cited by CBS 8. That finding prompted detectives to reclassify the case as a homicide investigation and widen their search for answers.
Investigation Taken Over By Homicide Unit
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office says its Homicide Unit is now leading the case, handling evidence collection, processing and follow-up interviews, and working closely with the Medical Examiner to determine the official cause and manner of death. The agency typically releases additional information as key steps in the investigation are completed.
How To Help
Detectives are asking anyone who might know something about what happened in that empty lot to come forward.
Information can be reported to the Sheriff's Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330, or after hours to the sheriff's non-emergency line at (858) 868-3200. Those who prefer to stay anonymous can contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
What Happens Next
Investigators say the Medical Examiner will release the victim's identity, along with the official cause and manner of death, once next-of-kin have been notified and all testing is complete.
The Sheriff's Homicide Unit is also seeking any video, cellphone footage or other potential evidence that could help piece together the timeline leading up to the discovery in the Hacienda Drive lot.
