Death in the Woods Ruled a Homicide

In a press conference last night, Westchester Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth identified the body discovered Sunday night in a wooded area off Lieto Drive in Mount Kisco.

The dead man was Jose Sanchez, 53.

The Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death was a homicide. Cause of death: blunt force trauma.

Longworth was joined at the press conference by Chief Joseph Spinelli of the Mount Kisco Police Department and Chief Inspector John Hodges of the county police.

“We believe that Mr. Sanchez knew his assailant and there is no danger to the public,” he said. “We also feel confident that we will be able to bring charges in the coming days.”

He said that Sanchez, a homeless man, worked as a landscaper.

Sanchez’s body was discovered by a relative, who had gone to the area in search of him because he was known to hang out there.

Detectives from the Westchester County Police General Investigations Unit are pursuing a number of leads and persons of interest.

Any members of the public who have information are asked to call the tip line at 1-(800) 898-TIPS. 1-800-898-8477. All calls are confidential.