National Institutes of Health researcher killed in robbery attempt

BALTIMORE -  

So far, this seems like the type of crime we fear most; a random killing of an accomplished law abiding citizen.

Police say Doctor Peter Marvit was simply returning to his home near Herring Run Park, just parking his car and going in to see his family and that they say is when it happened.

"He was shot near his vehicle.  Detectives believe that he was either entering or exiting the car and we are exploring the possibility of a robbery motive," said Baltimore Police Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.

Police spent the day exploring this troubling crime.

Detectives were back out at the scene Tuesday morning looking for evidence, later in the day they passed out crime stoppers flyers and stopped suspicious cars along Chesterfield Avenue, near Herring Run Park.

All in an attempt to dig up some sort of lead because it doesn't make much sense.

Marvit was an accomplished medical professional, did his post doctorate work at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and was a clinical researcher at the National Institutes of Health; a profession that by its nature gives back, only for his own life to be taken outside his own home.

The house today full of family who asked us to stay back and let them mourn, no doubt trying to figure out the answers to the questions police are already asking.

"This is an individual who has given quite a lot to society and we are investigating this death just like any other.  This is a heinous crime and it is atypical for the community that it happened in," said Guglielmi.

Marvit was found shot several times in the head and upper body.

Now again, police have no leads yet in this case and hope someone saw or heard something Monday night around 10:30.

There is also a Crime Stoppers reward associated with this case and if you think you can help, call them at 1-866-7-LOCKUP.