$5K Reward Offered To Solve 2016 Killing Of Gilroy Man

GILROY, CA — The family of a man who was found dead in Fresno County two weeks after he was reported missing in Gilroy is offering a reward for information that helps find his killer, authorities announced this week.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office said Vidal Zepeda, 39, of Gilroy, last had contact with his family on Feb. 4, 2016, and was reported missing two days later. On the same day, authorities said Zepeda's 2012 Ford Flex was found parked in an orchard near Highway 33 and West Clarkson Avenue.

On Feb. 22, 2016, the sheriff's office received a report of a body found in the California Aqueduct near the community of Three Rocks, located between West Clarkson Avenue and West Elkhorn Avenue. Officials said a dive team recovered the body, which was later identified as Zepeda, and investigators opened a homicide case.

Investigators ask anyone with information that could help identify a suspect to contact detectives at 559-600-8204 or call Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible to collect a $5,000 cash reward.