Death of man found on Waterford Valley trail deemed a homicide, police say

A 68-year-old man found dead on a quiet St. John's walking trail last month was the victim of a homicide, according to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

A media release Wednesday morning said the man's body was discovered near a trail which runs between Waterford Bridge Road and Topsail Road on the night of May 30.Const. James Cadigan, the RNC's media relations officer, later told reporters the man was found between the back of the Waterford Hospital and Topsail road.

His death was initially treated as suspicious, then deemed a homicide after consultation with the chief medical examiner.

Cadigan saidpolice are still investigating the events that led to the man's death, along with whether or not the individuals involved were known to each other.Neither the media release, nor Cadigan, said if any arrests have been made or if there are suspects. Cadigan said the investigative team is looking into whether there is "any relationship for who may be involved in this incident."

Cadigan said the RNC isseeking dashcamor CCTV footage from the hours leading up to the man's death.

Specifically, police are asking for video evidence fromMay 29between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the area of Topsail Road, from Cowan Avenue to Hamlyn Road, and fromMay 30 between2p.m. to 3p.m. on Waterford Bridge Road, between Bay Bulls Road and Cowan Avenue.

Investigators are also looking to speak to anyone who used the trail on either of those days, said Cadigan, along with anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area.

"At this time it's early in the investigation and we're looking to look at any details related to videos. Certainly we've identified some pretty specific timeframestherethat we see as valuable to this investigation," he said.

"It's very important at this stage in the game to ensure that we have all the information that could possibly be available to us to make any further progress in this investigation."

Cadigan said information is coming infrom the community.

Cadigan did not say how the man died, and said the events leading up to the man's death are presently unknown.

The man has not been identified by police, but Cadigan said he is from St. John's.

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