Homicide probe underway after man's body found in Fresno home

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno County Sheriff's investigators are searching for clues in a mysterious homicide.

The body of 33-year-old Daniel Martinez was discovered in his home in East Central Fresno late Thursday afternoon. A co-worker came by the house near Clinton and Chance avenues after Martinez failed to show up for work. He then called 911.

"Deputies responded along with EMS. When they went inside they found Mr. Martinez deceased inside the residence," said Deputy Chris Curtice, spokesman for the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.

The body showed signs of traumatic injury. The investigation shut down the neighborhood for several hours. Residents say they were surprised to learn someone may have been murdered.

"It's stunning to me," said Jack Lastella, a neighbor. "I thought it was a nice, quiet neighborhood. Nothing would ever happen around here."

Martinez owned the house. He worked in a business run by his family. An uncle came by the house to clean up the yard, but didn't want to comment on what happened.

Authorities have not released the exact cause of death. Detectives have been talking to Martinez's friends, relatives, neighbors and any other potential witnesses. They are asking anyone who knows anything about his death to call the Sheriff's Department.