Investigation ongoing into mysterious slaying of Azusa man found dead on Altadena horse trail

ALTADENA — The investigation continues into the mysterious slaying of an Azusa man found dead on a horse trail in Altadena earlier this month, authorities said.
Marcus Anthony Nieto, 26, was pronounced dead after a passer-by discovered him lying on the horse trail near the 3800 block of Canon Boulevard, Los Angeles County Department of Coroner officials said.
Initial reports indicated he had been shot in the head, however Detective David Gunner of the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau declined Thursday to say whether that was the case, citing the ongoing investigation.
“At this point, there’s not a whole lot I can share with you that wouldn’t compromise the investigation,” he said.
A security hold placed on the case at the coroner’s office prevented coroner’s officials from discussing the killing, coroner’s Assistant Chief of Operations Ed Winter said.
No witnesses to the slaying had been located, and no information regarding a possible suspect was available, Gunner said.
When discovered, “The victim didn’t have any property,” Gunner said, causing detectives to look into the possibility the killing involved a robbery.
The victim was living in Azusa with family members, though he also had a West Covina address associated with him at the coroner’s office, according to sheriff’s and coroner’s officials.
He was married but had no children, Gunner said. He was not believed to be employed at the time of his death.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

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