Victim Identified in Knights Ferry Homicide Investigation 

August 22, 2026 – Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department officials report that on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m. deputies and investigators with the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) responded to the 16200 block of Highway 108 regarding the potential discovery of human remains. Upon arrival, they located human remains near the side of the road. 

The circumstances surrounding this incident are suspicious, and it is being investigated as a homicide. The victim has been identified as David Menchaca, a 50-year-old Hispanic male of Waterford.

Related: Stanislaus County Sheriff Reports Human Remains Located Near Knights Ferry

At this time, MCU detectives are actively working on this case and are seeking the public’s assistance. A photo of Menchaca has been attached to this release.

Anyone with information regarding this case is strongly encouraged to contact Detective Perez at (209) 525-7093 or submit an anonymous tip by calling Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 1-866-602-7463 or online at: stancrimetips.org.

Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department