Gwinnett County man found dead in truck days after wife reported him missing

Gwinnett County police are working to find who is responsible for the death of a man found inside his own truck.

Police say it started as a missing persons report. Days later they made the grim discovery.

"I just don't know what to say. I'm shocked," one neighbor told FOX 5.

Police identify missing Gwinnett County man found dead in truck

Those living in the Paden Cove neighborhood are in disbelief after the body of 40-year-old Guadalupe Garcia Rodriguez was found inside a truck parked near the entrance to their townhome community on Paden Cove Trail.

Paden Cove neighborhood entrance

"Everybody is like me and surprised. Everyone who has come in and out of here has passed it," the neighbor continued.

The neighbor said the vehicle had been there for two days. Many assumed it was just broken down.

"The wife of the deceased contacted the Gwinnett County Police Department to report her husband did not return home after work," Sgt. Collin Flynn said.

Sgt. Flynn said she reported him missing on Monday.

"The tag from the vehicle had been run earlier and officers responded to the location to see if the car was still there and that's when we discovered the person from the missing persons case," Flynn said.

How did Guadalupe Garcia Rodriguez die?

Flynn says investigators don't know if he was killed near the truck, inside of it, or if he was taken there afterward.

(Gwinnett County Police Department)

Police said Rodriguez only lived a few short miles away and didn't have a job that would keep him away overnight.

Neighbors told FOX 5 that the discovery was unnerving.

"Everyone says, 'Not my neighborhood,' but you're not safe anywhere you go," the neighbor said. "Y'all, wake up, open your eyes and be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention."

Police said they are not releasing the exact cause of death just yet. Anyone with information is urged to come forward.