CALIENTE, Calif. — A body found on the side of the road has been identified as a Bakersfield man.

Thirty eight-year-old Marcos Munoz of Bakersfield was found on Bena Road in Caliente on December 18 around 12:40 p.m., KCSO said.

According to the Kern County Coroner, the cause of death for was multiple gunshot wounds and the manner was homicide.

Friends and family tell 23ABC that Munoz had been missing for nine days. They said when he stopped responding to calls and texts, they knew something was wrong. They posted to social media, hoping to find him. When they saw the news of a body found Tuesday, they knew it was their loved one.

Long-time friend Shari Gonzalez described Munoz as the loving father of a 13-year-old daughter and friend who always made everyone laugh. He worked at his family's business as a custom muffler specialist and on city vehicles.

"Anything that came out of his mouth was funny. You couldn't help but to laugh at anything he said," said Gonzalez.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office at 661-861-3110 or the Secret Witness line at 661-322-4040.