LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This week Sheriff Brian Martin showed his appreciation to the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Konocti Vista Casino for their help in a murder case.

On Thursday Martin presented the tribe and its casino with a certificate of appreciation for its assistance in providing information which led to the arrest of Finley resident Salvador Guzman for the murder of his cousin, Manuel Guzman.

At 10:15 p.m. Feb. 8, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Stone Drive near Scully Packing Co. in Finley for a report of a male – later identified as Manuel Guzman – lying outside of a vehicle, officials reported.

Detectives discovered that the victim had left Konocti Vista Casino in his vehicle at 9:15 p.m.

With the assistance of casino personnel, detectives were able to develop a suspect and the suspect’s vehicle description.

The suspect was identified as Salvador Guzman, Manuel Guzman's cousin, and arrested for murder on Feb. 9 at approximately 4:15 p.m.

“The assistance provided by Konocti Vista Casino security personnel enabled our investigators to quickly identify the suspect and gather pertinent information surrounding the circumstances of the crime,” Sheriff Martin said. “I very much appreciate their efforts in making our communities safer, and expect that our cooperative relationships will continue for years to come.”