Cops: Elvis Canales, found dead in Copiague, had been in fight
Suffolk County police are trying to determine the identity of a man whose body was found Sunday behind a trash bin in a parking lot on Ralph Avenue in Copiague. The man "appeared to be the victim of violence," police said. (Jan. 12, 2014) Credit: Stringer News Service
The man found dead behind a trash bin Sunday was identified as a Copiague man who had been in a fight that day, Suffolk police said.
Elvis Canales, 27, and several others had been drinking early Sunday in a Copiague parking lot off Ralph Avenue, a commercial area that had several trash bins, said Det. Lt. Jack Fitzpatrick, head of the Homicide Squad.
Then a fight broke out between him and another man about 5 a.m. Sunday, the investigator said. "He has a laceration on his hand," Fitzpatrick said.
Hours later, at 3:30 p.m., someone working on a paving project at the parking lot found the body behind a trash bin, police said.
"We're waiting to see what the medical examiner has to say as to the cause of death," Fitzpatrick said.
Fitzpatrick declined to say how police learned of the fight and declined to release other details.
The investigation continues.
Police ask anyone with information to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.
After 47 years, affordable housing ... Let's Go: Williamsburg winter village ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
After 47 years, affordable housing ... Let's Go: Williamsburg winter village ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV
