Chowchilla homicide victim identified

The body of an 18-year-old Chowchilla man found Monday in a row of corn off Avenue 14 near Road 9 has been identified as Pete Rios, the Madera County Sheriff's Department announced Wednesday evening.

A farmer disking the field discovered the body roughly 75 to 100 yards into the cornfield in southwest Madera County, according to the department.

The victim was last seen on the evening of Oct. 7 in Chowchilla. Thus far, no announcement has been made about any potential suspects in the case.

The homicide is the fourth reported in Madera County this year. Two of those cases were ruled justifiable homicide, according to the department.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about the case to call the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at 559-675-7770 or CRIME STOPPERS at 498-STOP.

-- Sun-Star staff