SUNOL — Investigators trying to solve the death of a man found near railroad tracks last weekend in Niles Canyon have one key piece of evidence now.
They know who he is.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office identified him Friday as 26-year-old Max Lopez-Balmes, of Fremont. Two hikers came upon Lopez-Balmes’ body Sunday near tracks adjacent to Highway 84/Niles Canyon Road near the highway’s mile marker 14, a mile east of Palomares Road, authorities said. They contacted authorities around 2:45 p.m..
“Anytime you have the identity, that helps,” Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ray Kelly said. “It helps you establish different relationships he may have had and different motives there may have been.”
Authorities have classified Lopez-Balmes’ death as a homicide.
They also encouraged anyone with information to contact their anonymous tip line at 510-667-3622.