RICHMOND, Va. – Family members found the body of Salvador Ortiz, a missing Richmond father of three who was last seen two weeks ago, Saturday afternoon on the city’s Southside, according to police.
Ortiz's body was found in a wooded area in the 2700 block of Cofer Road, officials said.
A family friend told reporter Jon Burkett that Ortiz's shirt had been found in that area.
The family called police, who secured the area and Ortiz was pronounced dead at the scene.
His remains were taken to the medical examiner’s office where family members positively identified Ortiz.
While detectives are investigating, police said there are no signs of foul play.
The 31-year-old was last seen the night of Friday, Jan. 19, wearing socks, but no shoes, pacing inside the Azteca Restaurant on Richmond Highway with his arms folded.
Those nine seconds of surveillance video are the last time Ortiz was seen on camera in the area.
"The day he left was really cold. He had no jacket and no shoes, that's why we are looking for him," Ortiz's brother, Fernando said last week.
Family and friends walked a large radius Wednesday on the Southside posting flyers and searching for Ortiz.
Police used drones and other resources to see if they could come up with leads.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call RPD Major Crimes at 804-646-6741 or contact Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
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