UPDATE (10/29): Boise Police detectives are hoping to identify and speak with any remaining potential witnesses who have not spoken to police yet who may have been in the southwest area of Ann Morrison Park from 9:00 p.m-10:00 a.m. on October 16-17.
Officers have spoken to several park-users, but would like to speak with anyone who was in that area at that time who has not spoken to police, particularly anyone parked near or using the dog park on the morning of October 17.
Anyone who may have been in the park at that time is asked to contact the BPD Violent Crimes Unit at 208-570-6290 or contact Crime Stoppers: by calling 343-COPS (2677), by visiting www.343COPS.com, or leave a tip using the “P3 Tips” app for your mobile device.
UPDATE: Boise Police have arrested a Boise man in connection with the suspicious death of a local tattoo artist in Ann Morrison park.
Police say 27-year-old Andrew R. Garcia is facing a felony charge of murder in the second degree and a felony charge of grand theft.
Police say investigators identified Garcia as a possible suspect when police found evidence linking him to the murder during the investigation. The body of 43-year-old Rocque "Rocky" Leon Arellano was found around 8:30 Thursday morning. Garcia was booked into the Ada County Jail early Friday morning and is being held on a $500,000 bond.
At his arraignment hearing Friday, prosecutors say Garcia is homeless. Prosecutors say the defendant told them on October 16, Garcia was in a verbal altercation with Arellano when Arellano kicked at him. Officials say Garcia then kicked Arellano in the face and then stomped on his face.
In court, officials also said Garcia was under supervised release from a Felony Conviction of a Firearm in 2017, and that Garcia has had multiple probation violations.
Garcia agreed to a public defender. He is scheduled to appear again in court on October 30, 2019 at 8:30 a.m.
Arellano's cause of death is still under investigation.
Boise Police officers also dealt with Garcia on Wednesday during a separate investigation at Ann Morrison park. The victim was not involved in the Wednesday incident which occurred in the same area, according to police.
Related: One in custody in connection with report of shot fired at local park
During the homicide investigation, police say they found more evidence that supported charging with aggravated assault from Wednesday's incident. On Wednesday, police say Garcia and another man got into a physical altercation, and both men were armed. Police say reports indicated Garcia had a realistic looking BB gun and the second man had a knife. Police say neither of the men used the weapons to harm one another during the altercation.
Evidence shows Garcia left the park on Wednesday but returned several hours later. Officers confirmed the other man did not return to the park, and he was safe Thursday morning.
The victim, 43-year-old Rocque "Rocky" Leon Arellano, was a well known tattoo artist in the area. A GoFundMe has been created to help his family pay for funeral expenses. If you'd like to donate, click here.
UPDATE (9 a.m.): The Ada County Coroner's office has released the identity of a man found dead in Ann Morrison Park Thursday. Rocque Leon Arellano, 43, was found after Boise Police was dispatched to the park around 8:30 a.m.
The case is open and ongoing by the Boise Police Department. It is being investigated as a homicide. The cause and manner of his death are unknown at this time.
ORIGINAL STORY: Boise Police are investigating after a body was found in Ann Morrison Park early Thursday morning.
Police say the call came in to dispatch at 8:16 a.m., and officials say the man was found in the southwest corner of the Park.
The cause and circumstances of the man's death are still under investigation, although police say the death appears to be suspicious in nature.
The man's identity will be released once next of kin has been notified.
At this time, police say they do not believe the victim was involved in yesterday’s incident in the same area.
Roads remain open in the area but anyone wishing to access Dog Island is asked to enter via the east gate closest to the fountain in Ann Morrison Park.
If you have any information or were at the park Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, police ask that you call dispatch at 208-377-6790.
Detectives are on scene and the investigation is ongoing.
Detectives ask that anyone with information, who may have been at the park Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, and has not yet talked to police, to please call dispatch at 208-377-6790. Investigation is ongoing.
— Boise PD (@BoisePD) October 17, 2019
