Police Investigating OBcian Steven Marquez’s Mysterious “Drowning”

Steven Marquez' sister Jolene holding up large photo of him, near the Ingraham Street Bridge where his body was found. (Screen capture from CBS 8.)

The local CBS affiliate, Channel 8, is reporting that San Diego Police have opened up an investigation into local Steven Marquez’s mysterious death.  His body was found floating near the Ingraham Street Bridge on August 31st.  The County Medical Examiner had originally opined that his death was by “drowning”.

But Steve’s family was convinced that something was not right – partly because they knew that Steven didn’t know how to swim well and that he wouldn’t go into the water at Mission Bay. So, they hired a private investigator, Bill Garcia, and now the police are investigating  his death.

Steve was last seen in the Crown Pointe area of Mission Bay.  According to police, his cell phone was last used at 3:30 am on August 25th.  Fliers are up in that neighborhood asking for any information on him.

Here is the CBS 8 report:

 San Diego police have launched an investigation into the mysterious drowning of an Ocean Beach man in Mission Bay.  Family members say the circumstances of the death are suspicious and they’re asking for help.

Steven Marquez was found floating in the water on August 31 under the Ingraham Street Bridge near Dana Landing. The Ocean Beach resident had been missing for a week and the medical examiner initially ruled his death an accidental drowning.

The family then hired private investigator Bill Garcia who says police are now investigating Marquez’s death.

“I think there’s more to this story. I think some people are hoping this will just go away. Fortunately, the family has SDPD actually looking into what happened,” private investigator, Bill Garcia said.

Marquez was last seen in the Crown Point neighborhood at a friend’s house. The last call made from his cell phone was placed at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 25.

The victim’s mother believes somebody has information.

“I think there are people that are afraid to talk and I know there are people out there that know something,” the victim’s mother Estella Marquez said.

The victim’s sister, Jolene says her brother Steven would do anything to help other people. Now she needs help to find closure.

A public memorial [was] held for Steven Marquez Friday at the Immaculate Conception church in Old Town. Donations are being accepted at any San Diego Credit Union.