Gilroy Man Found Dead In Fresno County Canal

FRESNO COUNTY - The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in its investigation of a missing Gilroy man found dead in a canal on Monday.

The body of Vidal Zepeda, 39, was found in the California Aqueduct at West Clarkson and West Elkhorn avenues near the unincorporated community of Three Rocks around 9 a.m. Monday, sheriff’s officials said.

A dive team recovered the body and homicide detectives are investigating the death as suspicious, according to the sheriff’s office.

Detectives learned that Zepeda last spoke with his family on Feb. 4 around 3 p.m., sheriff’s officials said.

On Feb. 6, Zepeda was reported missing and his silver 2012 Ford Flex was later found parked in a pistachio orchard near state Highway 33 and West Clarkson Avenue, sheriff’s officials said.

Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who saw or talked to Zepeda since Feb. 4, according to the sheriff’s office.

Anyone with information that can assist in the case is asked to call sheriff’s Detective Jose Diaz at (559) 600-8206 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 798-7867.

Tipsters can be anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

-Bay City News, image via Gilroy Police Department