California man accused of beating victim to death and leaving body by canal

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (TCN) -- Deputies recently arrested a man in connection with the death of a victim whose remains were found near a canal several months ago.

According to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, on the afternoon of March 23, deputies responded to a call of a body found on Tokay Avenue. At the scene, deputies located the victim, later identified as James Czech.

Investigators determined Czech was likely killed from blunt force trauma. Radio dispatches reviewed by the Sacramento Bee allege Czech specifically sustained fatal injuries to the head.

According to the sheriff's office, authorities identified 36-year-old Ryan Tatara as the primary suspect. He was already in custody for unrelated charges but was rebooked on a charge of murder on July 12.

Tatara remains held in the Yolo County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on July 18.