CENTER — Following a request for assistance from Center Police Department related to discovery of a deceased male in his residence, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a homicide investigation. According to a statement from CBI, Center police officers discovered dead man inside his residence Tuesday, Dec. 23, just after 8 a.m. The residence is located off of East Highway 112.

The man’s body is believed to be that of long-time Center resident and former town trustee Bill McClure, 78. His daughter, Robin McClure, posted the following statement on Facebook, “I’m heartbroken to report that my dad has been murdered. Please. Please. If you know about this contact the Center PD or the CBI.” 

The discovery was made after workers building a new garage on the property contacted law enforcement when they had not seen or spoken to the homeowner for a couple of days, CBI stated. Law enforcement officers located the victim with fatal injuries in the kitchen area of the home.

Although the specific cause of death is pending an autopsy by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, the death is being investigated as suspicious, CBI stated. The autopsy is scheduled for later this week.

Investigators believe the victim was last seen alive on Friday, Dec. 19, CBI stated. That is when construction workers last reported seeing him and when family members spoke with him on the phone. The time of death is currently undetermined.

CBI is leading the investigation and is receiving assistance from the Center Police Department, the Alamosa Police Department, and the 12th Judicial District Attorney's Office.