Death of Marco Tulio Pineda, of Central Islip, ruled homicide; police seek public's help

A Central Islip man whose body was found Thursday was the victim of a homicide and police are seeking the person or people responsible for his death, Suffolk police said Wednesday.

Shortly before 1 p.m. Feb. 1, a friend discovered Marco Tulio Pineda's body in the backyard of a home on Second Avenue in Central Islip and called police. An autopsy determined Pineda was the victim of a homicide, police said.

Pineda, 51, worked as a flooring installer and frequented businesses on Suffolk Avenue in Central Islip, police said.

Police could provide no further information Wednesday regarding the circumstances surrounding Pineda's death.

A cash reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. The phone number is 1-800-220-TIPS.

Check back for updates on this developing story.