Los Banos police investigating first homicide of 2016

LOS BANOS, Calif. (KFSN) -- In a narrow alleyway, Los Banos Police are investigating their first homicide of the year. Police got the call around 4:00 p.m. to respond to an incident on the 300 block of H Street. When they arrived, they found a man on the ground, bleeding.

"He was unresponsive. Officers and medical staff rendered aid, however the male was pronounced dead on scene," said Commander Rey Reynas, Los Banos Police Department.

Police have identified the victim as Rene Cruz Sandoval. Sandoval's family said the loss is devastating and all they want is closure.

Reyna said it was wounds on the victim's body that tipped off officers.

"Evidence injuries on the male's body-- we're not releasing, what type of injuries those are at this time. However, the evidence we found on scene led us to believe there was foul play."

The incident occurring near several businesses and homes in broad daylight leaving neighbors like Sylvia Valdez uneasy.

"You just don't know what's going to happen. You just gotta keep your eyes open."

Los Banos police said the car was found in the city of Merced. Police could not confirm if gang activity was related to this crime.

Three men were detained by police in relation to the crime and are being interviewed.