More than a week after a man was found dead in a Turlock field, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department has released the name of the deceased and is asking for the public’s assistance in solving his murder.

The sheriff’s department identified the man as 54-year-old Manuel DaSilva of Livingston. DaSilva was plowing a field on his tractor in the 2400 block of S. Walnut Road near W. Greenway Avenue on May 6. When he hadn’t returned home by nightfall and no one had heard from him, his family went looking for him and drove out to the field, where they found him dead.

The sheriff’s department has classified the death as a homicide investigation, but has not released any further details, including the cause of death. There has been no explanation as to the delay in releasing DaSilva’s name.

Detectives are asking anyone with possible information or who may have seen anything suspicious in the area of S. Walnut Road near W. Greenway Avenue, between the hours of 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 6 to contact them. Anyone with information can contact Detective Greg Buck of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department at 525-7103. 

Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message and be eligible for a cash reward.