News

Released: December 11, 2013 - Wednesday, 04:14 PM

Suspicious Death Update

Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781 4547Date and time of incident: 9-17-13 Approximately 4:55 PMPlace of Occurrence: Division Street X Bonita School Road, NipomoVictim Information: Silvestre Montalban Lopez, Approximately 26 years old, Guerrero, MexicoSuspect Information: N/AThe San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its investigation of a body found in a drainage ditch between two fields in the Nipomo area on 9-17-13. The body found, which was later determined to be the victim of a homicide, has been identified as Silvestre Montalban Lopez of Guerrero, Mexico. He was identified from fingerprints the Sheriff’s Office received through the Mexican Consulate. The results of this investigation show the incident occurred in a neighboring jurisdiction. As a result, the Sheriff’s Office has turned this investigation over to the Santa Maria Police Department. All questions regarding this case should be directed to Detective Jose De Leija (805) 928-3781 ext. 283 at the Santa Maria Police Department. The Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing any further details on this investigation.