Investigators Return To Cambridge Park Where Man Was Murdered
CAMBRIDGE (CBS) – Investigators returned Friday to a normally peaceful Cambridge park where a man was beaten to death earlier this week.
Police could be seen combing through a marshy area of Danehy Park, searching for evidence in the death of Paul Wilson. It is not known exactly what police were searching for.
The 60-year-old lived nearby. He was found unresponsive by a passerby Wednesday around 7 p.m. and died after being taken to an area hospital.
Wilson sustained "very severe" head trauma, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said. A baseball bat was found nearby, but it is not clear if that was the murder weapon.
Ryan said robbery does not appear to have been a motive.
Silvia Hemmerich, Wilson's cousin, said in a statement that Wilson was well-liked. "He is kind, generous of his time, and someone who lights up the room. I cannot imagine Paul having an enemy," Hemmerich said. "He was loved by a lot of people."
Neighbors are both devastated and frightened by the killing that occurred almost outside their door.
"None of us could stand it, we can't even think about it," said neighbor Jean Nixon. "He was a gentleman. He was a very good neighbor. He was incredibly helpful with everything."
On Friday, Investigators also went to nearby businesses in hopes of any surveillance footage of the area.
So far, tips have been coming in slowly, they said, even after they issued a plea to the public.
Police said Wilson would have stood out in the park at 6'6″ tall, wearing shorts and a red coat. He usually walked through the area to and from his job in Cambridge.
Bob Bordone was on the condo association with Wilson and believes his imposing presence would make him an unusual target. "If you think about someone looking to commit a crime this is not the guy you'd go for. He's tall and able-bodied," Bordone said.
Neighbors said Wilson was often on a motorcycle or working out at a local gym.
While those that live nearby think of the park as safe, they hope it stays that way. "I think it's important for city officials to be on this and make sure there are enhanced patrols in this area and in the park," said Bordone.
Police say they'll have a stepped-up presence for the foreseeable future, and will invite residents to a community meeting being planned for next week.