Procopio Alvarado Ruiz, 42, of Lancaster, California, was found dead on August 2, 2020, inside a truck near 260th Street West and Gaskell Road in Rosamond. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified him and said a postmortem exam would determine the exact cause and manner of death.

Investigators noted the discovery site was close to several parcels being used for illegal marijuana cultivation, and that proximity prompted questions about a possible connection between the cultivation activity and Ruiz’s death. As of the latest update, no suspects or suspect vehicle descriptions have been released and no arrests have been reported. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact them.

If anyone knew Procopio Alvarado Ruiz, saw activity near 260th Street West and Gaskell Road around August 2, 2020, or has information about illegal grows in that area, please share what can help the investigation.