FIRST REPORT: Police need help to ID acquaintance of homicide victim
More than a month later, 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 in that release, which was the first information distributed to the public about the incident.
That acquaintance was identified, and police were in contact with him, said Officer Doug Day, department spokesman, last month.
Francisco died of a gunshot wound to the head, according to Dr. Russell Uptegrove, the forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy.
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Soot was found on Francisco’s nose and cheek from the gunshot. There were also two abrasions on his right upper arm.
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,” the roommate, who found Francisco on the floor after he returned home from work said 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 the body was “fresh.” Because of conflicting work schedules, it had been three days since the roommate last saw Francisco.
Police said this week detectives are following up on leads.
“The case is still under investigation. We are currently following up on leads, however, at this point we cannot provide specific details regarding this case as it could prove to be harmful to the investigation,” Day said.
Police Chief Steve Maynard said in April the public is not in danger because the killing was not a random act.
“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.
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