CRIME
Elmer Roehrs found dead inside Alexandria home
Updated: February 15, 2013 - 07:53 am
Alexandria police detectives will continue their investigation into the Wednesday homicide of an elderly Del Ray man in what is the city's first murder investigation since 2011.
The victim, 94-year-old Elmer Roehrs, was found slain shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday in a home in the 2700 block of Holly Street, which is on the outskirts of the city's Del Ray neighborhood.
Police say Roehrs lived with family. He was home alone Wednesday until a relative came home and found him dead.
Police say he was suffering upper body trauma, without giving any more specifics about his condition. Chief Earl Cook says he was found "in bad shape."
The home was the site of a burglary that took place last November, after which a 45-year-old woman was arrested and charged with burglary and grand larceny.
That suspect, identified as Marie Maybell Johnson, has not been charged in connection to Roehrs' death.
As of Wednesday night, police said they were not actively hunting any suspects, but they were asking anyone who may have more information get in contact with them.
Roehrs’ family says the 94-year-old was restricted to his home. He was a fan of the Orioles, the Redskins and Wizards and watched the teams play on TV. He fixed meals for his wife, cared for plants and always had a cheerful greeting for people, his family says.
Neighbors expressed concern that this could happen in a place they normally consider extremely safe.
"I'm appalled," said Chris Hernandez-Roy, who lives on the street behind where the man was found. "It's a very quiet neighborhood, it almost feels like it's kind of rural. You wouldn't believe that something like this would happen."
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