California law enforcement officials are seeking assistance from the public in solving a gruesome murder case. A man’s body was discovered in a suitcase, curled up in a fetal position and wrapped in a blanket. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Gabriel Gomez Raymundo, was found by volunteers on Halloween in Lake Merritt, located on the 1900 block of Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland.
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) has released a statement requesting any information about Raymundo’s life, including his place of residence, employment, and acquaintances. They are also seeking any leads related to his death. The department is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this homicide case.
The investigation into Raymundo’s death began on the morning of October 31, when the police communications division received a report of a body on Lakeshore Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the victim with unidentified injuries and immediately called for medical assistance. Homicide investigators were subsequently dispatched to the scene.
Oakland police Captain Alan Yu stated that the investigation is also focused on determining the possible origin of the body. Given the body was found floating in a lake, it could have originated from any part of the lake, and all possibilities are being considered.
Further investigation revealed that Raymundo was a Guatemalan national who had been living in the United States for approximately eight years. According to a report by the San Jose Mercury News, he appeared to be homeless.
The suitcase containing Raymundo’s body was discovered partially submerged in the lake by volunteers cleaning the shore on Halloween. One of the volunteers, 71-year-old Kevin Shomo, expressed shock at the discovery, stating that while they often found luggage in the lake, they had never encountered anything like this.
The police have not disclosed any details about the cause or manner of Raymundo’s death. They are urging anyone with information to contact the Oakland Police Department Homicide Section or the TIP LINE.