Murder victim identified

The murder victim whose body was discovered outside a Yuma church last week has been identified as 58-year-old Roberto Vasquez.

The Yuma Police Department did not disclose where Vasquez was living at the time of his death, or where he was from, but indicated he may have been a transient.

Emergency personnel discovered his body at about 9:30 a.m. Jan. 5 in a stairwell along the west wall of First United Methodist Church, 298 W. 3rd St.

YPD considers the death a homicide, but has not released any information about how Vasquez was killed, any possible suspects, or a motive.

“They are still working the investigation as we speak,” said Joe Franklin, a YPD public information officer.

Detectives will provide further information when it becomes available, Franklin added.

YPD encourages anyone with any information about this case to call Sgt. Ron Rodriguez at (928) 373-4678 or 78-Crime to remain anonymous.