Authorities are investigating a double homicide after the bodies of two men were discovered in the bed of an abandoned pickup truck in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Tuesday. The grim discovery was made along Highway 35/Skyline Boulevard, just a few miles south of Castle Rock State Park, a popular destination for hikers.
One of the deceased has been publicly identified by a family member as 45-year-old Sean Pfeffer of Boulder Creek, as reported by NBC Bay Area. Pfeffer’s sister also confirmed to KSBW that the second man was a friend of Pfeffer’s.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is leading the investigation, which is now classified as a double homicide. The cause and manner of death have not yet been officially released by the coroner. However, NBC Bay Area reporter Damian Trujillo reported that “sources paint a very disturbing picture.”
According to Trujillo’s reporting, there are no known surveillance cameras in the remote area. Additionally, authorities have not yet identified any witnesses who may have seen the men alive in the area. The ownership of the pickup truck also remains unknown.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.
