Crime & Safety

Homicide Investigation Underway After Santa Cruz Man Found Dead

Bernardo Rodas, 41, of Santa Cruz​, was found dead around 3 p.m. Saturday in the 4000 block of North Rodeo Gulch, officials said. ​

SANTA CRUZ, CA -- A man who was missing for days was found dead Saturday afternoon in Santa Cruz County, prompting a homicide investigation, authorities said. Bernardo Rodas, 41, of Santa Cruz, was found dead around 3 p.m. in the 4000 block of North Rodeo Gulch, officials said.

Deputies and first responders said Rodas, who was reported missing Oct. 10, was found about 75 feet off the roadside.

The case is being investigated as a homicide by sheriff’s detectives and crime scene investigators, officials said.

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Sheriff’s detectives are asking for help from the public to determine where and when Rodas was last seen alive.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sergeant Dee Baldwin at 831.454.7635 or email at Dee.Baldwin@santacruzcounty.us.

Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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