Police seek leads in man's death
Victim died two weeks after beating
A man police found severely beaten June 16 has died, the Porterville Police Department reported Tuesday.
Marcelino Santoyo was found about 11 p.m. June 16 in a vacant field at Grand Avenue and Douglas Street. He died June 29.
Santoyo, 54, was a resident of Porterville. His funeral service was held July 9 and interment was at the Woodville Cemetery.
According to police, officers found the man breathing, but unresponsive. They said he suffered massive head trauma injuries.
Witnesses told police they heard some type of commotion and at least two unknown males were seen running from the scene. Santoyo was transported by ambulance to a Visalia area hospital and then ultimately to a Fresno area hospital where he was reported in critical condition.
Multiple search warrants were obtained during the investigation, but none have led to arrests in the case.
This is the second homicide to occur in Porterville this year. For all of 2011, the city had two homicides.
This case is still under investigation and anyone having information regarding this homicide is asked to contact Detective Matt Green 782-7409 or Sgt. Ron Moore at 782-7421.
