FIRST REPORT: Police need help to ID acquaintance of homicide victim
On Monday, police issued a press release saying they were looking for a man they called an acquaintance who was with Francisco at Bargos, a bar at the corner of Dixie Highway and Mack Road, before his death. Pictures from what appear to be a security camera were included and a photo of Francisco were included in that release, which was the first information distributed to the public about the incident.
“We have identified the acquaintance and investigators have been in contact with him. We are not sure what his role in this case is at this point, if any” said Officer Doug Day, department spokesman.
When asked why the department announced the homicide more than a month after it occurred, Day said, “We released the information regarding this homicide to the public when it best suited the investigation. If at any time we felt the public were in any danger, we would have notified them as soon as possible.”
Investigators did not say if the man was a person of interest in the March 13 homicide.
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Francisco’s roommate, who also lives with his wife in the apartment, entered his room after Francisco’s brother said he hadn’t been able to reach him. The roommate then called 911.
“I have no idea of what happened,” said the roommate, who found Francisco on the floor after he returned home from work, in the call.
The dispatcher asked if Francisco was breathing and the roommate said, “I don’t think so because I saw his face. There’s a lot of blood in his face.”
He also said he didn’t believe it was “fresh.”
Because of conflicting work schedules, it had been three days since the roommate last saw Francisco.
Police decline to released an additional details Tuesday and said there had been no arrest.
Police Chief Steve Maynard said the public is not in danger.
“There is no evidence to suggest that this was a random act, that is why we do not believe there is a clear and present danger to the community as it relates to this crime … If evidence is developed that suggests the contrary, the community will be notified immediately,” he said. “To be clear, this organization would never intentionally withhold information critical to the safety of our residents.”
Anyone with information regarding the investigation should contact the Fairfield Police Department at 513-829-8201 or Detective Larry Green at 513-896-6033.
Staff Writer Michael D. Pitman contributed to this report
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