The person at the center of this case
Santana Acosta
Justice for Santana Acosta — the trail went cold in 2016, but the truth hasn't.
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Who was responsible for Acosta's death and what was the motive?
What physical evidence was recovered from the canal or body that could identify the perpetrator?
What connections did Acosta have through his drug activity and gambling that might have led to conflict?
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 activity, gambling, and lived a transient lifestyle, which may be relevant to the circumstances of his death. Investigators continue to seek public information to identify those responsible and determine the full circumstances surrounding his death.
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Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
Were there any witnesses in the area of the canal on December 12, 2016 who saw suspicious activity?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
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."
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.