December 12, 2023 - Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office officials report that detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU) are currently investigating a suspicious death in South Modesto.

On Sunday, December 10, 2023, at about 6:45 a.m., a woman walking her dog called 911 to report what appeared to be a deceased person on the canal bank near the intersection of Las Vegas Street & Alpine Ave. Emergency medical personnel arrived on-scene, located the man later identified as 32-year-old Erik Estrada formerly of Waterford, and pronounced him deceased.

Patrol deputies were called to the scene and assumed control of the death investigation. They were later relieved by detectives with the Major Crimes Unit who are now conducting further follow-up. A forensic autopsy will be conducted later Monday morning. The nature of Estrada’s suspicious death is still being investigated. We are unable to provide further details about the cause, manner or circumstances surrounding the case.

Members of the public are urged to contact Detective Darwin Summerton at 209-525-7032 should they have information to share. They may also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636 or go to www.stancrimetips.org Tipsters could be eligible for a cash reward.

Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office