MYAKKA CITY, Fla. (WFLA) – Manatee County sheriff’s deputies are investigating a suspicious death that occurred Monday afternoon.
The sheriff’s office responded to a report of a dead person in a wooded area not from off the road at 5600 Verna Bethany Road around 4:30 p.m.
Deputies determined the death to be suspicious and notified the Manatee Homicide Investigation Unit.
The victim has been identified as Jose Barajas-Santibanez, 42, of Bradenton.
An autopsy confirmed his manner of death is a homicide.
The cause of death is not yet being released.
Barajas-Santibanez was reported missing by his daughter on Nov. 15. His abandoned vehicle was found in Palmetto the following day.
Anyone with information should contact the MCSO at 941-747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.WHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON RIGHT NOW:
