The person at the center of this case
Santana Acosta
Homicide · Open
9 years waiting · since 2016
VICTIM - SANTANA ACOSTA - PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Justice for Santana Acosta — the trail went cold in 2016, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Who had contact with Acosta in the days prior to December 12, 2016?
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evidence
Lead #2What evidence was found at or near the canal that could identify the perpetrator?
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person
Lead #3What associates or acquaintances in Acosta's drug dealing and gambling circles may have had motive or knowledge?
On December 12, 2016, the body of Santana Acosta was discovered in a Salt River Project canal near 6700 West Dobbins Road in Phoenix, Arizona, with apparent signs of homicide. Acosta was known to be involved in drug use and sales, gambling, and lived a transient lifestyle, which may be relevant to the circumstances of his death. Investigators continue to seek public information that could help identify those responsible and bring closure to this case.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
👁️
witness
Lead #4Did anyone see suspicious activity near the canal on December 12 or in the preceding days?
💡
clue
Lead #5How did Acosta's body come to be in the canal—was he killed there or disposed of there?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
December 12, 2016 Phoenix, Arizona On Monday, December 12, 2016, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Phoenix police responded to the area of 6700 West Dobbins Road and located the body of Santana Acosta in a canal. (The Salt River Project canal/ditch.) Acosta was the apparent victim of a homicide.
Investigators are seeking information from the public to assist in this ongoing investigation. Remarks: Acosta was a drug user and seller, a gambler, and a transient or "drifter."
Timeline of Events
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2016-12-12
14:00Body discovered in canal
Phoenix police located the body of Santana Acosta in the Salt River Project canal near 6700 West Dobbins Road at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:December 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Last Updated:May 9, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:December 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Last Updated:May 9, 2026