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
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suspect
Lead #1Who had contact with Acosta in the days leading up to his death given his involvement in drug sales and gambling?
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evidence
Lead #2What evidence was found at the canal scene that could indicate the manner and circumstances of death?
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person
Lead #3What associates in Acosta's drug dealing and gambling activities may have had motive or opportunity?
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. The case remains open as investigators seek public information to identify the responsible party and establish the full circumstances surrounding his death.
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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.
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witness
Lead #4Were there any witnesses to activity at the canal location on or near December 12, 2016?
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
Phoenix police responded to the area of 6700 West Dobbins Road and located the body of Santana Acosta in a Salt River Project canal 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:October 30, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:December 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Last Updated:October 30, 2026