South Valley detectives actively working on suspicious murder case

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Sheriff's office says detectives are actively working on suspicious murder case--some of them investigating in the area of Lindsay today.

Lindsay is where 46-year-old David Wurtsmith lived. But sheriff's investigators say his body was found more than 10 miles away last Friday, in the Friant-Kern canal, just west of Porterville.

Authorities believe Wurtsmith was murdered.

They say Thursday's autopsy confirms that, but aren't releasing the cause of death yet.

"It's absolutely a homicide and that's exactly how we're going to investigate it," said Lt. Duane Cornett.

Lt. Duane Cornett says they cannot release many details about the case-the investigation is active, and still in its early stages.

He says it was not gang-related but can't say any more about a possible motive. It is unclear exactly where Wurtsmith was put in the canal, or how long he was there.

The sheriff's office is also asking for the public's help.

"Any information, even if they think it's something very simple, you never know that could be something that helps us break the case. So if they have any information at all, please give us a call,"

We received this photo of Wurtsmith from his sister.

She says their family is heartbroken and describes her brother was a sweet, kind, and thoughtful guy who had a smile (and dimples) that would brighten up a room.