Man found dead in vehicle

Heather Rawlyk

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004 | 9:39 a.m.

Metro Police said they are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead in his vehicle Wednesday at J Street and Owens Avenue.

Residents in the area called police at 5:15 p.m. after hearing gunshots outside an apartment complex in the 1700 block of Owens Avenue.

Witnesses said they saw the victim in an argument with residents in the courtyard of the apartment complex. The victim then ran across the street to his car, police said.

Moments later, residents heard gunshots. The victim, who was described by detectives as a black male in his 20s, was found shot to death in his vehicle.

Police are uncertain if the victim lived in the complex. They were also unsure if the incident was gang-related.

One witness however, seemed to think so.

"There's always some trouble and some beef with people and it winds up like this with someone shot," said the witness, who wished to remain unnamed.

Another witness said he has lived in the neighborhood for two years and has never had a problem.

"I don't know if it's gang-related," he said. "We've never had a problem here. It's a quiet neighborhood. It's usually very calm."

The witness said he was walking to his car when he heard numerous gunshots.

"I must have heard at least four gunshots," he said. "I talked to my neighbor and he heard them too. Soon after we saw the cop lights."

Homicide Lt. Tom Monahan said more information would be available after a close examination of the victim's body is conducted.