Santa Rosa, California — A homicide investigation is underway after a man was discovered dead with gunshot wounds early Friday morning just south of the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, authorities confirmed.
According to Santa Rosa Police Lt. Chris Mahurin, the victim, described as a man in his 40s, was found shortly before 6:30 a.m. in a bicycle lane along the east side of Brookwood Avenue, between Birdsfoot Way and Bell Flower Lane. A passerby made the discovery and immediately called police.
Ongoing Investigation
Police said the man’s death is being investigated as a homicide. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin, and the exact cause of death will be determined by the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office.
No weapon has been recovered, and investigators are urging residents to review their home security cameras and come forward with any possible leads. Authorities expect to remain at the scene for several hours as they process evidence and canvass the area for witnesses.
Lt. Mahurin emphasized that while the case is being treated as a homicide, detectives currently do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
Impact on Local Traffic and Residents
The investigation prompted road closures along Brookwood Avenue, forcing morning commuters to take alternate routes. The area where the body was found borders a residential neighborhood to the east and an open field to the west.
Sean Cooper, 28, a Santa Rosa resident, said he was driving southbound on Brookwood when he encountered the police roadblock. “I’ll have a good excuse,” Cooper remarked, noting that everyone at his workplace would likely already be aware of the incident. He opted for Linwood Avenue, a parallel street, to continue his commute.
Santa Rosa’s 11th Homicide of the Year
Friday’s discovery marks Santa Rosa’s 11th homicide in 2025, continuing a troubling trend of violent incidents across the city. Recent cases have included multiple murder-suicides, one of which involved three victims.
The most recent homicide prior to Friday occurred on September 9, when police discovered a deceased woman and dog at a home on Cecilia Drive. Two Sebastopol residents, Felix Carreon, 50, and Robert McConologue, 46, were later arrested in connection with that case.
Police Seeking Information
As detectives work to determine a motive in the latest case, Santa Rosa police are calling on the public to assist in their investigation. Anyone who was in the area of Brookwood Avenue during the early morning hours or who has surveillance footage is urged to contact the Santa Rosa Police Department.