Young father killed days before being found in car trunk, coroner says
A 27-year-old lumber yard worker was hit on the head days before being found in the trunk of his car along a Pasco road.
An autopsy Tuesday found that Carlos Pimentel was killed by blunt force trauma and then stuffed in the car, Franklin County Coroner Curtis McGary told the Tri-City Herald.
His body was discovered Sunday by his mother. He is believed to have been there for several days, McGary said.
No one has been arrested in connection with the killing.
Pimentel’s sister Catherin Melendez previously told the Herald that he disappeared on April 10 after work. His family searched for him for days when no one had heard from him.
His family tried to report him missing but Pasco police delayed opening a missing person report until Sunday, April 19, because he was an adult who had not been gone long.
His mother discovered his car later that day on the side of Fourth Avenue, and police found his body inside the trunk.
Pasco police Lt. Tom Groom said they are asking anyone with information on Pimentel or his car to call Pasco police at 509-545-3421.
The young father of a 10-year-old boy was remembered as an amazing person who loved his family, writing songs and drawing and taking photos.
“He brought light, laughter and strength to everyone who knew him and his presence will be deeply missed forever,” she wrote on a GoFundMe to raise money to cover funeral expenses.