Update Monday 7:30 a.m.: adds suspect information;  Sunday  9:30 p.m.: adds statement from search page for Brayan Rodriguez; status of investigation

A 21-year-old man was arrested Monday morning in connection with the strangulation death of a man in a Valencia home.

Video by Mauricio La Plante.

Christian Ortiz, 21, who reportedly lived at the residence where the body was found, was arrested on a murder charge at 3 a.m., according to Sheriff’s Department arrest records.

Ortiz is a member of Hart High School’s graduating class of 2014, and played varsity football throughout his time at the Santa Clarita high school, according to former teammates.

Based on interviews and evidence at the location, it was determined that the unidentified victim died at the hands of another and the suspect was responsible for his death. Homicide officials have not discussed a motivation for the death.

Coroner’s officials have not identified the name of the decedent, pending the notification of the next of kin, according to medical examiners, on Monday morning.

The dead body was reported at the 23600 block of Via Valer. Deputies and fire officials responded at approximately 4 p.m.

A Hispanic male was reportedly found in the residence, according to Homicide officials.

The body was found not far from where a 20-year-old man was reported missing less than a day ago. Witnesses also reported to KHTS News that a man was put in handcuffs near the residence around 5 p.m.

The search page reportedly created by friends and family posted the following statement regarding Brayan Rodriguez, on the Facebook page at approximately 7:45 p.m.:

Sheriff’s Department officials have not confirmed whether the cases are connected, or if the man who was detained was being held in connection with the death.

Rodriguez was last seen arguing with Ortiz, according to information released by the family.

Rodriguez was last seen on Via Valer, between Ave. Navarro and Orchard Glen, according to the search party page on Facebook, and his cellphone was found at Valencia Meadows Park, which is also near where the body was found.

Homicide officials have not yet confirmed any information regarding this ongoing, active death investigation, including whether a murder has officially taken place.

There’s no information regarding the nature of the death or the identity of the victim at this time.

This is a breaking news story and more information will be reported as its available.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information available at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

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