Between the inclement summer heat and a gently flowing stream, Montgomery County police made a gruesome discovery Sunday: the body of a man was floating in the middle of Seneca Creek Park.
Based on the evidence, the authorities told Telemundo 44 that the cause of death was precisely murder and not the result of drowning despite having been found in the water.
“Firefighters arrived on scene and removed the body from the water, who was then transported to the medical examiner’s office, who determined the cause of death to be homicide,” said Carlos Cortés, a spokesman for the county police.
The identity of the victim is still unknown, but three tattoos could be vital for his recognition.
“One of these tattoos is the angel of death that has a firearm and the other is some chain links that has a cross underneath,” Cortés said. “So far we have not ruled out anything. We don’t know if this has any kind of gang connection. It’s something we’re still investigating.”
They also do not rule out that the man is Hispanic.
For a visitor who has been constantly coming to the park for more than 16 years, the news is surprising.
“We have never heard gang themes. We have never heard anything–this area is very quiet,” she said.
The woman took her photos to document her pregnancy and hearing about the case fills her with fear, because the park has its charm for her.
“We almost don’t usually come a lot and if we come it’s for a special moment and hearing this, it just makes us a little scared,” he added.
Another visitor, Elio Hernández, believes that the site has very remote places that serve as a stage for these things to happen.
“I don’t know if my perspective of the place is going to change me, no, but things can happen anywhere, but at the same time it doesn’t surprise me because it can be a very hidden place,” he said.
At least 18 homicides have been recorded so far this year in Montgomery County. Although authorities have found bodies in the water in the past, they say that’s not common.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation can contact county crime solvers at 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered.
