LAKE TAHOE - Police are investigating why acquaintances of a man who was fatally shot in the head waited at least six hours before reporting him dead.
Elijah "Joel" Deluna, 23, died Friday at Blackwood Apartments and was found a day later, authorities said.
The South Lake Tahoe Police Department is using all five of its detectives and several other staff members in the first murder investigation since September 2001, when 9-year-old Rebbeca Aramburo was murdered at Campground by the Lake.
"We're investigating it as a homicide because we haven't proved it's not," said Lt. Martin Hewlett.
"We're interviewing a ton of people," he added.
Deluna's body was found in a bedroom Saturday at 6 p.m., Hewlett said.
Three stolen cars from Carson City were located near the apartment complex at 3546 Spruce Ave.
"We don't know exactly who stole them or who was in control of them at this time," Hewlett said.
Deluna had an impressive rap sheet in Carson City, including cases related to theft and trafficking controlled substances, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Department official.
Neighbors said there would be frequent visitors to the unit where Deluna's body was found. Hewlett would not say what kind of gun may have been used to kill Deluna.
Police are seeking information on the crime. Contact Detective Brad Williams at (530) 542-6110.
