SHIRLEY, MASS. (WHDH) - Authorities have identified the victim of an apparent homicide in Shirley.
Officers responding to a reported medical emergency on Groton Road around 1:45 p.m. Monday found William Hatch, 69, of Shirley, dead inside the home, according to a joint statement issued by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Shirley Police Chief of Samuel Santiago.
An investigation revealed that Hatch had suffered multiple traumatic injuries. Responding officers said they found a grim scene in the house that included bloody footprints.
“This is nuts,” said concerned neighbor Kate Shapton. “That guy, he wasn’t like a mean person. He kept to himself.”
The Shirley police chief said there is no threat to the public and the ongoing investigation is currently fluid and not random.
Investigators are asking anyone who lives in the area to share surveillance footage with them.
“It’s a small town and everyone knows everyone basically,” Shapton said. “Whoever did it needs to be punished. It’s not right. You don’t kill somebody.”
No additional information was immediately available.
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.
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