MARTINSVILLE, Va. – UPDATE
Authorities have identified the man they said was found in a ditch on the side of the road in Martinsville last month.
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Officers said the man found on the side of Smith Lake Road has been identified as Richardo Gonzalez-Rodriguez.
Gonzalez-Rodriguez was 53 years old and an undocumented immigrant who recently arrived in the Martinsville area, according to police.
Authorities said the medical examiner was able to identify Gonzalez-Rodriguez by medical records, DNA and the help of the Dept. of Homeland Security. The medical examiner said they believe his death was accidental.
The police department said it is currently trying to contact family members in other states and in Mexico. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Ratcliffe at the Martinsville Police Department.
ORIGINAL STORY
Authorities are investigating after they said a man’s body was found in a ditch on the side of the road in Martinsville.
Officers said they received a call around 7 p.m. Sunday about a body that was on the side of Smith Lake Road near the Village Street intersection.
Police said they believe the body had been there for several days.
The victim’s body was sent to the medical examiner’s office to determine cause of death and for identification, according to police.
Authorities said preliminary autopsy reports show no signs of wounds or trauma on the body. However, the death is being investigated as a homicide until proven otherwise.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 276-403-5328.