Police Suspect Dead Body Found in Creek Was a Homeless Man

A body found floating in a creek last Friday might have been that of a homeless man, according to the investigator assigned to the case, Gilroy Police Department Sgt. Wes Stanford.

The man’s body, believed to be between 30-50 years old, was found in a flood control creek near the 7600 block of Forest Street around noon, according to police.

“The subject’s identity is not being released at this time pending confirmation by fingerprints and notification of next of kin” police said in a press release last Friday.

Sherri Jaso, who has lived in a house next to the creek for 10 years, said authorities used her backyard to get to the body and and remove it.

"I was totally unaware of it until the officer came to the door," she said, "I usually walk the dog around that time, but he didn't want to go out because of the rain."

While it is dry now, water was flowing through the creek to help control flooding during the 0.32 inches of rain that fell that day, she said.

The coroner’s office will conduct an autopsy this week.

Authorities responded to the call Friday morning and found the man “fully clothed and partially submerged.” They pronounced him dead at the scene, according to the report.

Police said they are investigating the incident but don’t suspect foul play.

Any person with information about the incident can contact Gilroy police at 408-846-0350, or call WeTip anonymously at 800-782-7463.