An 83-year-old man was found dead Friday morning in Brooklyn, and Baltimore Police are investigating his death as a homicide.
Police were called to the 400 block of Cambria Street for a report of an unresponsive person in need of medical assistance.
Detectives have not released the mans identity, but people in the area said they knew him well, nicknaming him "The Mayor of Brooklyn."
"He'd walk around the neighborhood, pass out mints to people, sweet up all the trash," said Frederick Martin, who said he knew the man for about seven years.
Police were called to the man's home at about 10:20 Friday morning and found him suffering from "apparent trauma" to the body.
Baltimore Police would not release further details by Friday evening, but neighbors said the man was found savagely beaten.
"The homicide detective said in the years he's been in homicide it's the worst thing he's ever seen," Martin said.
One man, who declined to be identified, said both he and his family spoke to "the mayor" often and said he was known for his keen eye for crime, calling police when drugs or prostitution were present.
Anyone with information is urged to contact homicide detectives, at 410-396-2100.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line, at 1-866-7LOCKUP or text tips and video to 443-902-4824.
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