William Cody Tate, 40, of San Pablo, California, was found dead near train tracks in North Richmond on October 17, 2019. His body was located in the area of Parr Boulevard and Giant Road; initial impressions suggested gunshot wounds, prompting a joint response by Richmond police and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

An autopsy showed Tate had not been shot. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma consistent with being struck by a train, which shifted the inquiry away from a shooting scene. Investigators from both agencies continued to examine the circumstances and sought witnesses or other evidence to clarify what happened.

No arrests or suspects have been identified in connection with Tate’s death and the investigation remains open. If anyone was near the Parr Boulevard and Giant Road tracks on October 17, 2019, or has information relevant to this case, please come forward.