The Atascadero Police Department is Investigating a Homicide Following the Discovery of 34-year-old Todd Joseph Pinion

The Atascadero Police Department is investigating a homicide following the discovery of 34-year-old Todd Joseph Pinion, who was reported missing on October 30, 2024. Mr. Pinion was last seen in Atascadero on the morning of October 23, 2024, and initial investigations raised concerns about suspicious circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Following a comprehensive investigation, officers identified a person of interest who was later
arrested. Tyler Stevens, a 21-year-old resident of rural Paso Robles, was taken into custody and
subsequently booked at the San Luis Obispo County Jail on charges of homicide (PC 187). On November 2, 2024, Atascadero Police Detectives located Mr. Pinion’s body in a remote area near Tassajera Creek.

The Atascadero Police Department thanks the community and partner agencies who contributed
to the investigation. This remains an active case; anyone with further information is encouraged
to contact the Atascadero Police Department.

For further inquiries, please contact the Atascadero Police Department Investigation Unit at
(805) 461-5051.