Body Found in Tesla Trunk Near Los Banos Sparks Homicide Investigation

Body Found in Tesla Trunk Near Los Banos Sparks Homicide Investigation

A Tesla trunk homicide investigation near Los Banos is underway after officers found a man dead inside a white Tesla sedan along State Route 152.

The California Highway Patrol said the discovery occurred Thursday afternoon, July 9, 2026. Officers located the vehicle east of Lower Cottonwood Road in Merced County. The location sits outside the Los Banos city limits.

Missing-Person Report Leads Officers to White Tesla

At approximately 12:20 p.m., the CHP Merced Communications Center received a report concerning a missing person believed to be near Highway 152.

CHP officers from the Los Banos Area responded to the location. Merced County Sheriff’s Office deputies also assisted at the scene.

During the investigation, officers opened the trunk of a white Tesla sedan. They then discovered an unresponsive man inside the vehicle.

Authorities Describe Victim as an Unidentified Hispanic Man

CHP described the victim only as an unidentified Hispanic man. Authorities have not publicly released his name, age or place of residence.

Officials also have not explained how the missing-person report led officers to the Tesla. In addition, investigators have not disclosed who owned the vehicle or how the victim may have been connected to it.

CHP Major Crimes Unit Leads Homicide Investigation

Detectives with the CHP Central Division Major Crimes Unit are leading the investigation.

CHP has classified the case as a homicide investigation. However, authorities have not announced the victim’s cause of death or described any injuries.

Investigators also have not publicly identified a suspect or person of interest. No arrest had been announced as of this article’s publication.

Key Questions Remain Unanswered

The case remains in its early stages. Authorities have not confirmed:

• The victim’s identity or exact age
• His connection to the white Tesla
• The vehicle’s registered owner
• How long the Tesla had been on the roadside
• Whether the man died at that location or somewhere else
• The cause and manner of death
• Whether investigators have identified a suspect
• Whether the Tesla’s cameras or digital records captured useful evidence

Officials may release more information after investigators identify the victim and notify his relatives.

CHP Asks the Public for Information

Anyone with information about the case should contact the CHP Central Division Major Crimes Unit at 559-603-7740 during normal business hours.

People who traveled through Highway 152 near Lower Cottonwood Road on Thursday may have seen the white Tesla or activity near the vehicle. Witnesses should share potentially relevant information directly with investigators rather than posting unverified claims online.

Central Valley Entertainment will update this story when CHP releases the victim’s identity, cause of death, suspect information or an arrest.

Quick Facts

Date of discovery: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Approximate time: 12:20 p.m.
Location: State Route 152 east of Lower Cottonwood Road
Area: Merced County, near Los Banos
Vehicle: White Tesla sedan; model not publicly confirmed
Victim: Unidentified Hispanic man
Investigating agency: CHP Central Division Major Crimes Unit
Information line: 559-603-7740 during normal business hours

What Is Confirmed

CHP received a missing-person report, located a white Tesla sedan and found an unidentified man dead inside its trunk. CHP officers and Merced County sheriff’s deputies responded, while the CHP Major Crimes Unit took charge of the homicide investigation.

What Is Not Yet Confirmed

Authorities have not publicly confirmed the victim’s identity, cause of death, relationship to the vehicle, exact Tesla model, vehicle ownership, suspect information or motive.