By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 18, 2025)
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A Sacramento man missing since Christmas Day was found dead in a wooded area near Placerville, and authorities have arrested his roommate and the roommate’s father in connection with his death.
The body of 75-year-old Somboun Sayasane was discovered Thursday morning several hundred yards off Old Toll Road in El Dorado County, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Sayasane had been reported missing on December 29, 2024, after last being seen near his home on 41st Avenue in South Sacramento.
Investigators arrested Sayasane’s roommate, 32-year-old Benjamin Dougherty, on suspicion of murder. Dougherty’s father, 75-year-old Robert Dougherty, was also taken into custody and faces charges of being an accessory to the crime. Both men were apprehended Thursday morning at separate locations in Petaluma and are currently booked at the Sacramento County Jail.
“As detectives delved into it further, there appeared to be some suspicious circumstances,”
said Amar Gandhi, spokesperson for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
“It unfortunately did evolve into a homicide investigation where detectives believe that he’d been murdered.”
Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death but confirmed that no firearm was involved. The area where Sayasane’s body was found is described as steep and densely wooded.
“It’s a very, very dangerous terrain,”
said Andrew Osborne, a local resident .
Sayasane was known for his infectious laugh and artistic talent, according to family members. The family has requested privacy during this time.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details regarding the motive or circumstances surrounding the death.
For more information, visit the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page
