El Centro, California - The El Centro Police Department is continuing the investigation in reference to a burned body located in the area of 900 S. 2nd, along the railroad tracks.  With the help of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Coroner, our efforts have resulted in confirming the identity of the victim in this case.  The victim was identified on Friday, September 20th as 30-year-old El Centro resident Raul Esparza. 

The family of Esparza had previously reported him missing on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.  The investigation into Esparza’s disappearance, ultimately led to information which aided in our identifying him as the victim in this case.  Due to the circumstances previously known and details revealed in the autopsy, Esparza’s death was an intentional act and this case is being investigated as a murder.  The El Centro Police Department is currently investigating leads into the murder of Esparza and requests anyone with information regarding the case to contact the El Centro Police Department Investigations Division.