Man found inside vehicle in Washington County was murdered

LAKELAND SHORES- A man found dead in a pickup truck in Lakeland Shores early Tuesday morning is the victim of homicide.

A Washington County deputy was flagged down just before 5 am and informed of the presence of a suspicious vehicle.  The deputy located the vehicle, a white 1997 Dodge Ram extended cab with a topper, in the 200 block of Quinnell, in the City of Lakeland Shores.

Inside was the lifeless body of a Hispanic male in his mid to late 30's. The Ramsey County Medical examiner confirms he was murdered. Authorities are not releasing the man's name until his next-of-kin is notified.  

Investigators do say they do not believe this to be a random act of violence, and say the victim does not appear to be part of the immediate community.  

Anyone who knows anything about this homicide is asked to call the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 651-439-9381. A caller can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-TIPS. Information resulting in an arrest could be worth up to $1,000.

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