Community shocked after body of missing man found

About a week and a half later Todd Joseph Pinion was last seen in AtascaderoHis body was found this weekend in a remote area near Tassajara Creek.

Atascadero police have made an arrest in connection with the 34-year-old’s killing, but did not elaborate on what led them to identify a suspect or how they located Pinion, but said they did so after the initial investigation after his disappearance raised concerns.

Many people who knew him were shocked when they heard the news.

“He was one of my best people,” said Gary Eberle, who employed Pinion at Eberle Winery. “I mean, he was a real people person.”

According to Eberle, Pinion left the winery in 2021 and had not heard from him since.

“I’m absolutely amazed,” Eberle said. “I’m stunned. When we found out yesterday, it was like, what? It just didn’t make sense.”

George Sullivan lives near the area where Pinion’s body was discovered.

“This is a remote part of the county,” Sullivan said. ‘It’s all private property here. In general, there’s nothing to do here unless you live here.”

Tyler Stevens of Paso Robles was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail early Sunday morning on suspicion of Pinion’s murder.

Court records show Stevens has had previous run-ins with the law. He reportedly pleaded no contest to eluding an officer and assaulting a peace officer or firefighter after an attack incident in San Luis Obispo December 2022.

Pinion’s family members have been contacted for comment for this story but would not speak at this time.

Anyone with more information about this case is encouraged to contact the Atascadero Police Department at (805) 461-5051.