ATASCADERO — On Sunday, Nov. 3, the Atascadero Police Department issued a press release saying they are now investigating homicide following the discovery of 34-year-old Todd Joseph Pinion, who was reported missing on Oct. 30.

Pinion was last seen in Atascadero on the morning of Oct. 23, and police say that the initial investigations raised concerns about suspicious circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Officers identified a person of interest who was later arrested. Tyler Stevens, a 21-year-old resident of rural Paso Robles, was taken into custody and booked at the San Luis Obispo County Jail on charges of homicide (PC 187).

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On Nov. 2, Atascadero Police Detectives located Pinion’s body in a remote area near Tassajara Creek (in the Santa Margarita area).

The Atascadero Police Department thanks the community and partner agencies who contributed to the investigation. APD told Atascadero News they are unsure where the murder occurred and are continuing to investigate the crime.

This remains an active case; anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Atascadero Police Department. For further inquiries, please contact the Atascadero Police Department Investigation Unit at (805) 461-5051.