About a week and a half later Todd Joseph Pinion was last seen in AtascaderoHis body was found in a remote area near Tassajara Creek over the weekend.

Atascadero police have made an arrest in the 34-year-old’s murder but are not providing details on what led to identifying the suspect or how they found Pinion, but said they did so after the initial investigation into his disappearance raised concern.

Many people who knew him were shocked to hear this news.

“He was one of my best guys,” said Gary Eberle, who runs Pinion at Eberle Winery. “I mean, he was a real person.”

According to Eberle, Pinion left the winery in 2021 and he had not heard from her since.

“I was absolutely stunned,” Eberle said. “I was surprised. When we found out yesterday, we were like: What happened? It didn’t make any sense.”

George Sullivan lives near the area where Pinion’s body was found.

“This is a remote part of the county,” Sullivan said. “Everything here is privately owned. Generally, there are no jobs here unless you live here.”

Tyler Stevens of Paso Robles was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail early Sunday morning on suspicion of Pinion’s murder.

Court records show Stevens has been in trouble with the law before. He reportedly pleaded no contest to fleeing a police officer and assault after assault on a peace officer or firefighter. Incident in San Luis Obispo In December 2022.

Members of Pinion’s family have been contacted for comment on this story, but they do not wish to speak at this time.

Anyone with further information about this case is encouraged to contact the Atascadero Police Department at (805) 461-5051.