Man dies after 'random assault with an edged weapon' in Greenfield; person of interest in custody

Person of interest in custody

GREENFIELD -- A man was murdered in broad daylight along a busy Greenfield street on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Police swarmed the area near S. 60th Street and W. Armour Avenue, and police said the incident appeared to be "completely random."

"There were cops everywhere," said a neighbor. "There were sirens. They were out of their cars. They were running around."

While residents were warned about danger and asked to stay in their homes, a tactical team made its way in.

Greenfield police said they detained a person of interest for questioning.

Medical examiner responds to suspicious death at 61st and Cold Spring Road in Greenfield

"We don't know if that is the suspect, but we do have one person in custody we are interviewing right now," Greenfield Police Chief Jay Johnson said.

The person of interest was being questioned about a man working in the area, who was assaulted with an edged weapon.

Medical examiner responds to suspicious death at 61st and Cold Spring Road in Greenfield

"We are all taken back," said a neighbor. "This is tragic."

With no indication of a confrontation, many were simply wondering why.

"Right now, it appears to be random, very random, which is confusing at this point," said Chief Johnson.

The incident concerned residents living nearby.

"This happened at 12 in the afternoon," said a neighbor. "This is just crazy. I'm very uneasy. Very unsettling."

Medical examiner responds to suspicious death at 61st and Cold Spring Road in Greenfield

The incident left some emotional.

"Very overwhelming, very sad," said a neighbor. "My heart and prayers go out for the family."

An autopsy on the victim was scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Medical examiner responds to suspicious death at 61st and Cold Spring Road in Greenfield

Statement from Ramaker

“Yesterday we learned that we lost a member of our team in a senseless act of violence in Greenfield. We are heartbroken to learn of this incident. He was a wonderful person and a great member of our organization.

"As an organization we are devastated and our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. We are providing access to grief counselors for our employees to help them get through this difficult time.

"We thank and appreciate the first responders for their efforts in this situation. We are proactively working with law enforcement as they proceed with their investigation and are providing them with any information they need to solve this case, we strongly encourage others to do the same.

"Due to the nature of this investigation and out of respect to the loved ones of the team member we lost, we will have no further comment at this time.”