Body found in Tuolumne River

      Stanislaus Sheriff's deputies were first dispatched to 7th Street along the Tuolumne River to investigate a body found in the water there.

   Upon preliminary investigation it was discovered to be the City of Modesto's jurisdiction and the investigation was turned over to the Modesto Police Department.

   According to the report, detectives followed up on the information received about subjects involved in a physical altercation that allegedly led to the death of 45 year old Danny Wallace, Jr. of Modesto.

   Evidence at the scene indicates that an altercation between Wallace and several males took place on the north side of the Tuolumne River embankment prior to the alleged homicide.

   One of the suspects, 29 year old Daniel Gassett of Modesto, was found walking in an alleyway near 6th Street several hours after the death occurred.

   He was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail for murder.  Detectives are actively pursuing leads for two other suspects.

   Detectives believe that the suspects and the victim are known to each other, however, the motive for the attack is still under investigation.

   The cause of death is pending the Stanislaus County Coroner's report.