Investigators identify body found near Falls Lake

The man was identified at 64-year-old Jose Manuel Perez of the 12000 block of Schoolhouse Street in Raleigh.

A resident who lives in the area of Old Bayleaf and Durham roads (N.C. Highway 98) spotted the body during his walk early Sunday morning and called authorities. He told deputies he walked by that same spot Saturday evening before dark and did not see the body.

Investigators don't think the homicide was committed near where the body was found. 

Shortly after the discovery, Sheriff Donnie Harrison described the victim and his clothing in hopes someone might recognize him.

He was described as white, less than 6 feet tall, weighing about 230 pounds with short, graying hair, a mustache and goatee. The man was wearing an off-white tank top, gray shorts, white sneakers, a wedding ring and a watch with white face and a black band. He had a rubber advocacy wristband that reads "Support Your Veterans."

"The break we need right now is, 'Who is this person?' and then we go from there," Harrison said before Perez was identified. Detectives did not say how they determined the man's identity.

Detectives are still asking for the public's help in solving the case. Anyone with information about Perez or who may have seen something suspicious is asked to call 919-856-6800.