Only two days into the new year, Santa Fe has experienced what police suspect is its first murder of 2020.
An early-morning commuter driving along the 1500 block of Paseo de Peralta called law enforcement just before 8 am when they saw what appeared to be an unconscious man outside.
Police say the man, later identified as Michael Sheffield, 46, was dead when first responders arrived.
Santa Fe Capt. Anthony Tapia tells SFR investigators believe the victim is from Santa Fe and they are working on notifying next-of-kin. Tapia would not say how the man was killed but "evidence at the scene is leading" law enforcement to believe it was a homicide.
Tapia would also not tell SFR where exactly Sheffield was found. A crime scene van and yellow tape were visible around four buildings that contain offices including the Drug Policy Alliance headquarters west of Chicago Dog Express.
An employee at J M Evan's Construction off of Paseo de Peralta confirmed Sheffield was found nearby.
SFR published a roundup of all of the homicides in the city in 2019. Santa Fe saw a rise in homicides in the last three years as well as a significant bump in both violent and property crimes.
Police would not release information about what type of weapon was used in this suspected homicide, but five of last year's murders involved firearms.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for more information about Sheffield's murder, according to a news release from SFPD sent on Jan. 7. Police ask those with information to call (505) 955-5050.
