February 23: San Diego police arrested 61-year-old Michael Nash near his home in conjunction with the disfigurement and killing of Allen Burton Hawes, a 57-year-old homeless person.

Hawes was shot and killed sometime on or after February 23. A tow truck driver found Hawes’ head in a plastic bag on Interstate 5. Parts of his body were found near the Otay River in Palm City, Interstate 5, and on State Route 163. Friends described Hawes to CBS News as “the nicest guy around here.”

Investigators believe the two knew each other, but they have not been able to establish a clear motive. Some neighbors say that he may have been gay; however, the police have not commented on whether sexual orientation played a role in the murder.

Nash pleaded not guilty to the crime.