A tragic incident unfolded early Saturday morning as 37-year-old Santiago Jacobo, a janitor from Pittsburg, was discovered fatally stabbed in the main parking lot of Pleasant Hill Park. Jacobo, who was employed by the city’s Recreation and Park District, was found unconscious and unresponsive by his wife shortly before 5 a.m. This discovery occurred after he failed to return home following his shift at the park the previous night.

According to reports from Pleasant Hill Police Captain Matt Kristic, Jacobo had been working late into the night cleaning buildings at the 16-acre park. His wife became concerned when he did not return home after his shift ended, prompting her to search for him. Upon finding him in the parking lot, she immediately contacted emergency services. Tragically, Jacobo was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives from the Pleasant Hill Police Department are actively investigating the incident, although no motive for the stabbing or potential suspects have been reported thus far. Kristic noted that this marks the first homicide investigated by the department in the current year, with the previous case dating back to April 2023.

Pleasant Hill, described as a generally quiet community by Kristic, has been shaken by this unexpected act of violence. The park, which is typically serene at night with occasional dog walkers, was cordoned off by law enforcement for seven hours following the discovery of Jacobo’s body.

Authorities are awaiting the completion of an autopsy by the Contra Costa County coroner to determine the exact time of Jacobo’s death. In the meantime, the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau urges anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward.

The loss of Santiago Jacobo has left both his family and the community grieving, with many seeking answers and justice for his untimely death in what was previously considered a peaceful setting.

For further assistance or information regarding this crime, individuals are encouraged to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at 925-288-4630.