Three men were arrested Sunday on suspicion of killing a Healdsburg man whose body was dumped along a country road west of town.
Sonoma County sheriff's investigators are examining the case to determine if it is connected to a marijuana farm concealed in an area better known for its production of world-class wine grapes.
The body of Gabino Lopez Santiago, 46, was found in the 5900 block of Mill Creek Road. Investigators said he was shot on Chemise Road, miles away, near a marijuana farm that was tended by three suspects arrested in connection with the killing.
The suspects were identified as Sidonio Santos Cruz, 35, of Santa Rosa; Agustin Zepeda-Onofre, 23, of Windsor; and Ramon Velasco Lopez, 28, of Healdsburg.
They were arrested on suspicion of murder, conspiracy, accessory to a crime, cultivation of marijuana and destroying or concealing evidence.
Sheriff's Sgt. Carlos Basurto said it is still undetermined if the shooting was directly related to the marijuana grow.
Detectives found evidence of the shooting but no victim after gunfire was reported at 2:14 a.m. Sunday in a rural neighborhood in the 4000 block of Chemise Road, Lt. Glenn Lawrence said. The area is located about one mile west of Dry Creek Road, home to some of the county's most popular wineries.
Five hours later, a 911 caller reported a body along a heavily wooded area of Mill Creek Road, officials said.
The victim appeared to have suffered at least one gunshot wound to his upper torso.
Officials closed Chemise Road for several hours.
Neighbor Scott Monroe, 54, said he turned back home at about 8 a.m. Sunday when he tried to drive to the gym. A deputy told him the road was closed due to a homicide investigation nearby.
"A plane flew overhead for about two hours," Monroe said. "It was very scary."
Neighbors speculated the shooting took place at a marijuana garden, Monroe said. Most neighbors grow grapes, but the rural road has attracted some criminal activity such as illegal dumping and pot gardens, he said.
"We call this &‘Outlaw Road,'" Monroe said. "People come here to do ... unique things."
Authorities blocked off Mill Creek Road with yellow police tape at the 5900 block as coroner's officials investigated the death.
Santiago's death was quickly linked to the Chemise Road incident, Lawrence said. An autopsy was scheduled for today.
Detectives also investigated whether the case held any connection to a vehicle that crashed into a tree along Mill Creek Road several miles east from the site of the body.
The Honda Accord's hood was smashed and both air bags were deployed. Several windows were open in the abandoned vehicle and a cell phone was dropped near the driver's side door.
However, detectives determined the crash was unrelated to the homicide and handed the case over to CHP investigators, officials said.
Anyone with information about the case can call the Sonoma County sheriff's investigations unit at 565-2185.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: