Samuel Zarate Torres, a 43-year-old Hispanic male, was last seen in San Jose, California on June 27, 2021. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being 6'0" tall and weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is also known by the nickname "Sammy" and has a tattoo of the words "San Jo" on his left forearm. Torres was officially reported missing on July 4, 2021.
The investigation into Torres's disappearance took a significant turn when it became a homicide case. Authorities determined that Torres was shot and killed in the area of Coyote Creek near Wool Creek Drive. At the time of his death, Torres was reportedly homeless and living in an encampment in that area. Despite law enforcement's belief that he was buried near the encampment, his body has never been found.
In connection with the case, Ricardo Padilla, a 34-year-old San Jose resident, was identified as the primary suspect. The investigation revealed that Padilla was allegedly responsible for a violent crime spree that spanned from May to July 2021 in both San José and Alameda County. In addition to being charged with the murder of Samuel Torres, Padilla is also the suspect in the fatal shooting of 49-year-old Thomas Calamia on May 31, 2021. Padilla has been charged with two counts of murder, even though Torres's body remains missing.Last Seen: Jun 27, 2021
