The man found dead in a vacant home in Richmond on Thursday has been named by police.
Homicide investigators IHIT said the body was that of Michael Thompson, 37, of Richmond. IHIT say Thompson was known to police.
Megan Devlin/Richmond News
The Richmond News reported Thursday how police were on scene in the north of the city after a body was found inside a vacant home awaiting demolition.
Officers responded just after 8:30 a.m. to a house in the 9000 block of Odlin Road, near Garden City Road, after a friend of the victim found him dead.
IHIT is asking the public for help in what is being deemed a suspicious death. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
“The investigation is in its early stages and it is unknown if this incident was targeted,” said Cpl. Frank Jang, of IHIT.
“IHIT is releasing Mr. Thompson’s name to garner information from the community regarding his activities leading up to his death.”
After a preliminary survey by officers “they determined that something wasn't right," Jang said on Thursday of the incident.
A neighbour, who didn’t want his name used, told the News he used to live in the home where the body was found.
But he and his housemates were evicted when a development company bought that house and others on the block and said it was ready to demolish them for redevelopment.
The neighbour found another rental only a few doors down, but said the houses have been sitting empty for nearly a year and he has seen squatters and looters looking for copper wire there before.
“There needs to be regulation regarding houses and how long they’re allowed to sit [empty] during rezoning and whether or not it’s mandated that they have security on site,” he said.
He’s calling on the city to address the problem, saying it’s a safety issue.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448), or by email at [email protected].
Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
