Body identified as that of laborer

Lake County Sheriff’s deputies are now calling the death of a man, whose body was found Wednesday in a wooded near Okahumpka, a homicide.

On Thursday, investigators said an autopsy had been completed on the body that was found along CR 48. The subject has been identified as 43-year-old Jose Arturo DeLeon. Detectives have learned that DeLeon recently came to the area from Naples as a laborer who typically sought employment doing lawn maintenance for condominiums. The identification was made using phone numbers found on the subject as well as through dental records. DeLeon is originally from Guatemala.

A man who walking his dog discovered DeLeon's body just before 10 a.m., approximately 200 feet off of the road near a dirt path. Detectives said the body had been there for several days and was in an advanced state of decomposition. At this time, the manner of death is not being released.

Detectives are actively trying to locate anyone with information regarding DeLeon or any of his friends, acquaintances, or employers. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS.