Editor’s note: A celebration of life for Todd Pinion will be held Saturday at Ancient Peaks Barn in Santa Margarita from noon to 5 p.m. You can find more details at: Celebration of Life’s Facebook page.

It’s been nearly a week since the body of slain Atascadero man Todd Pinion was found in a remote area near Santa Margarita.

Pinion’s mother, Melody, is finally speaking out following her son’s death.

“I want to thank the community,” he expressed. “I want to thank the authorities. Without them I wouldn’t know what happened. And I wasn’t going to bring my son home to me.”

Melody learned her son was missing on October 28th. Two days later, she was on a plane from Louisiana to California with her daughter, Pinion’s younger sister.

The Atascadero Police Department found his body less than 24 hours after arriving in his hometown.

They explained that he had been murdered and that he had been dead for 11 days.

“I don’t understand the malevolence behind this, the evil in the world,” Melody said. “Why? Why would someone want to take such a beautiful soul?”

The Atascadero Police Department began investigating the suspicious nature of Pinion’s disappearance after his dog, Spock, was found dead near the top of the Cuesta Grade.

His son’s body was found nearby a few days later.

“They are still working as diligently and as many hours (as they can) on this case,” Pinion said. “I mean, they’re removed from their families, but they’re still doing their best to dedicate every hour they work. I can agree with that.

Pinion, 34, of Atascadero, loved the world and wanted to bring everyone together in unity, friends and family said. He felt it was his duty to cure the evil in the world.

In his honor, Melody hosts her son’s celebration of life “Todd style,” complete with a rock painting station, tie-dye station, and everything else that represents who he is as a person. The celebration will be held Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Ancient Peaks Barn, formerly known as Oyster Ridge, in Santa Margarita.

The family requests the use of colors in celebrations and anything Pinion may have given you or made for you. At 3:30pm, sound healing will be offered by Jamie Nicole to honor Todd and his love of sound baths. You can find more details at: Celebration of Life’s Facebook page.

Melody smiled: “I want to hear from each and everyone.”