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Horseback Riders Discover Body Along Trail In Altadena

ALTADENA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities on Saturday were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was discovered along a horse trail in Altadena.

Lt. Dave Dolson of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau says horseback riders discovered the deceased around 8 a.m. Saturday in the 3800 block of Canon Boulevard.

"There is a riding trail. The deceased was found on the trail," said Dolson.

CBS2 and KCAL9's, Brittney Hopper reports the victim was 26-year-old Marcus Nieto of West Covina.

He was reportedly shot in the head.

Michael Smith lives near where the body was found. His son was on his way to school when some horseback riders told him to call 911. Smith said, "I don't think the body was dumped here. From what I've heard, I suspect someone came here and just executed someone."

The murder has made Smith and his neighbors nervous. "I'm shocked at what's going on here. You know, we have a security system on our house and we have a very good neighborhood watch -- but you still feel a little uneasy."

Smith didn't know Nieto's story but he does know the victim is someone's family member. "It's obviously horrible for any father and mother to lose a child," Smith told Hopper.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

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