Police: Michigan Man Found Dead, Buried In Snow Was Murdered

PARK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say the death of a 38-year-old man whose body was found frozen under snow next to his running car in western Michigan has been ruled a homicide.

The Holland Sentinel and The Grand Rapids Press report investigators said Jose Patricio Hernandez died of multiple blunt force trauma to the head.

His body was found around midday Monday outside an apartment complex in Ottawa County's Park Township.

His family last heard from him Sunday and he didn't show up that night for work. Snow fell over the weekend in the area, and his body was found under the snow by a deputy.

Investigators said Hernandez may have died Sunday and the car may have been running all that time.  Police towed his car from the scene to examine it for further clues.

Police are seeking help from the public to solve the case.

Capt. Mark Bennett, with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department, told WOOD-TV that they don't know whether the attack was random, however, "There's no indication that we found in our investigation that would beat us to believe others are in danger."

Anyone who might have information about what happened to Hernandez is asked to call the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department or Silent Observer at 1-877-887-4536.

Funeral services for Hernandez are set for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Langeland-Sterenberg & Yntema Funeral Home, at 315 E. 16th St. in Holland.

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