SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. - Authorities are investigating a murder after a decomposed body was found in the Santa Cruz Mountains back on Oct. 13, 2012.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said the autopsy on the victim, identified as 32-year-old Eric Garcia, of San Jose, ruled the case a homicide, and now investigators believe he may have been murdered at a different location.
Investigators say information related to the cause of death, location of the crime, or possible weapons will not be released at this time as it could impede the investigation.
Garcia was reported as a missing person to the San Jose Police Department in Sept. 2012. His motorcycle was also missing. Garcia was a member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club.
Investigators have determined that Garcia was last seen alive at the Park Lane Lounge in San Jose on Sept. 19 at 2 a.m. in the company of persons associated with the Ghost Mountain Riders Motorcycle Club. Sheriff's detectives believe that customers at the lounge may have witnessed interactions between Garcia and others, and can provide important information relevant to the investigation.
Garcia, who was also known as "Peeka," was a Hispanic male, 5'9" tall, approximately 350 lbs. He had tattoos on both forearms and upper chest. He was believed to be wearing blue jeans, a white shirt and a black leather jacket without any markings.
No arrests have been made in this case.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office at (831) 454-2311.
