Homicide victim found beneath bridge ID'd as Modesto man

MODESTO -- Investigators on Tuesday released the name of a man found dead in the Tuolumne River last week in Modesto, a suspicious death police consider a homicide.

A family walking along the river Thursday evening discovered the body of Daniel Joseph Montgomery Allen, 21, of Modesto under the Seventh Street Bridge. Allen's family reported him missing in December, said Modesto police spokesman Sgt. Rick Applegate.

Officials said last week that the man had been in the water for at least a few weeks.

Detectives are waiting for toxicology reports. They declined to discuss any details on what might have caused Allen's death.

Investigators ask anyone with information about this death to call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Tipsters can email through the Crime Stoppers Web site, www.stancrimetips.org, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" along with a message. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.

Bee staff writer Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at rahumada@modbee.com or (209) 578-2394.