Body that appeared to be burned and decomposed found inside northwest Fresno canal
The Fresno Police Department is investigating a suspicious death in northwest Fresno.
Officers arrived around 5:17 p.m. Tuesday at North Hughes and North Emerson avenues after receiving a call that a body was seen inside a canal underneath the overpass, Fresno Police Lt. Brian Valles said.
Officers went inside the canal overpass and found what was believed to be a body that had decomposed underneath tarps or tent bags.
Officers removed the tarps/bags and discovered that the body also possibly had been burned.
“There is no indication what caused this, and the coroner hasn’t ruled that it is actually a body but believes so, based on the characteristics the officers observed, “Valles said. “This time, there is no indication that it’s going to be ruled a homicide at this time.
“It’s simply a suspicious death until the coroner could arrive and complete an autopsy and get the results from that to determine the cause of death of this individual.”
There was no water inside the canal, Valles said.
“It appears that it’s been dry for quite some time,” Valles added.
Homicide detectives are investigating the suspicious death.
Emerson and Hughes were going to be closed for several hours.
This story was originally published October 12, 2021 at 8:53 PM.
