Police release photo of possible witness in Modesto shopping center homicide case

Modesto police detectives on Tuesday asked the public to help identify a man who might be a witness in the death of Randall Cisneros-Heimburger, whose body was found last week behind a shopping center.

The photo of the possible witness was posted on the Modesto Police Department Facebook page.

The body of Cisneros-Heimburger, 31, was discovered shortly after 8 a.m. Nov. 25 in the delivery area behind the shopping and professional office center at Standiford Avenue and Prescott Road. He was found behind a building that houses Liquor Locker and Bookies Sports Bar & Lounge, among other businesses.

The incident was initially investigated as a suspicious death, but it has since been upgraded to a homicide investigation. Officials also have released a photo of the victim.

Investigators have not disclosed the cause of death or released any details about the circumstances that might have led to his death. The investigation at the crime scene was expanded to include part of the Hetch Hetchy bike trail on the south side of the shopping center.

On Tuesday, officials said detectives were continuing to search for evidence, witnesses or anyone who might have information about the case.

It’s unclear when the death may have occurred. A Liquor Locker employee said that when he last was in the loading area, on Sunday afternoon, the man’s body was not there.

Police officials ask anyone with information about this death to call Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. Tipsters can email through the Crime Stoppers website, stancrimetips.com. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

This story was originally published December 3, 2019 at 12:16 PM.