Identification of a man found murdered in the Pajaro River

WATSONVILLE, CA (KION-TV) – Update February 28, 2023 at 2:20 pm.– Watsonville police have confirmed that a man found in the Paharo River behind River Park has been killed.

Detectives now say the man, found dead, was shot to death on Saturday and was found in the river around noon on Sunday. This is being investigated as a murder.

John Michael Peña, 41, has been identified as the man killed, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said. Detectives said he was found with at least one gunshot wound.

KION asked the police if the victim had been shot more than once, and they replied that “it is not being reported at the moment.”

ORIGINAL STORY

Detectives from the Watsonville Police Department were called to investigate a possible murder in the Paharo River behind River Park.

Police said officers found the body of a man in his 40s around noon today with at least one gunshot wound.

The department said detectives are working to obtain additional information and evidence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Watsonville Department at 831-471-1151.