Death investigation underway at Webster Commons Plaza
WEBSTER -- A suspicious death investigation is underway in Webster. A portion of the parking lot at the Webster Commons Plaza on East Main Street was blocked off with caution tape Friday.
Investigators were in the area for hours.
Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. told the public to be aware and is asking anyone with information to call Webster Police.
He confirmed the victim was a man in his late 30s. His identity is not being released at this time, but he is known to be in this area and known to police.
According to Early, the initial 911 call reported a man sleeping in front of the Big Lot.
Early could not say if the death was random or targeted.
All of the stores at the strip mall beside the Burger King were closed for most of the day on Friday.
"There is still an active and ongoing investigation with regards to the crime scene itself. I anticipate the lot here will be open shortly, we do have some people coming in to work on the clean-up where the crime scene is," Early said.
An autopsy is being conducted to determine how the man died.
"This leaves a gut-wrenching feeling in my stomach," Angel Lopez said.
He said a homeless man typically hangs out in this area. "He goes there, he sits there, he gets a peace of mind there and he also sleeps there at night."