San Diego

Teen Found Dead in Vista Street Identified

A teenager was found dead in the middle of Smilax Road around 8:34 p.m.

A teenager found dead in a Vista Street has been identified as Luis Canseco, sheriff's officials said Friday.

The 17-year-old's death has been ruled a homicide, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office, and the remainder of the autopsy has been sealed.

Meanwhile, homicide detectives are searching for the person who killed a teenager and left his body in the road in Vista Tuesday night, according to the San Diego Sheriff's Department (SDSO).

The teenager was found in the middle of Smilax Road around 8:34 p.m. It's a residential neighborhood with several apartment complexes south of State Route 78.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and SDSO were initially responding to the incident. SDSO has since taken over the investigation.

Witnesses told NBC 7 that they heard nine gunshots in the area.

“When I saw the blood on the sidewalk, I said ‘Oh my God,’” said Maria Gutierrez who is scared for her neighbors after such a violent act.

Gutierrez said will pray for the teenager’s parents.

A woman at the scene said she thinks the body may be of her 17-year old son but deputies have not confirmed the information. 

Deputies don't have any suspect information at this time or a motive but they are investigating whether this homicide is gang related.

No other information was immediately available.

NBC 7’s Artie Ojeda reports on the body found along Smilax Road, south of State Route 78 on Tuesday, October, 25, 2016.
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