Editor’s note: There will be a celebration of life for Todd Pinion from noon to 5 p.m. at the Ancient Peaks Barn in Santa Margarita on Saturday. More details can be found on Celebration of Life Facebook page.

It’s been nearly a week since the body of murdered Atascadero man Todd Pinion was found in a remote area near Santa Margarita.

Pinion’s mother, Melody, is finally speaking out after her son’s death.

“I want to thank the community,” she said. “I want to thank the authorities. Without them, I wouldn’t know what happened. And I wouldn’t bring my son home with me.”

Melody learned her son was missing on October 28th. Two days later, she was on a plane bound for California from Louisiana with her daughter, Pinion’s younger sister.

Less than 24 hours after arriving in her home state, the Atascadero Police Department found her body.

They reported that he had been killed and had been dead for 11 days.

“The evil behind it, I don’t understand the evil in the world,” Melody expressed. “Why? Why would anyone want to take such a beautiful soul?”

The Atascadero Police Department began investigating the suspicious nature of Pinion’s disappearance once his dog, Spock, was found dead at the top of Cuesta Grade.

Her son’s body was found nearby a few days later.

“They’re still working on this case diligently and as many hours (as they can),” Pinion said. “I mean, they’ve been estranged from their family, but they’re still doing everything they can to dedicate every hour they have. I can get into it.”

Pinion, a 34-year-old from Atascadero, loved the land and wanted to bring everyone together in the facility, according to his friends and family. He felt it was his job to heal the evil in the world.

In his honor, Melody is throwing her son a “Todd-style” celebration of life with a stone painting station, a tie-dye station and everything that represents who he was as a person. The celebration will be held Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Ancient Peaks Barn, formerly known as Oyster Ridge, in Santa Margarita.

The family requests that the colors be worn at the celebration and whatever Pinion would have given you or made for you. Sound Healing by Jamie Nicole will be offered to honor Todd and his love of sound baths at 3:30 p.m. More details can be found on Celebration of Life Facebook page.

“I want to hear from every single person,” Melody smiled.