Suspicious Death Investigation in Church Parking Lot

Police are hoping to hear from anyone who may have information.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - A report of blood on the ground outside a parked car led Salem Police officers to the parking lot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints today, where they located the victim of an apparent homicide.

Police were called to the scene around 12:45 PM, the church is located at 570 Madison St N.E.

The initial report indicated that there was blood on the ground outside the car. The victim was inside the car according to Salem Police Lt. Bill Kohlmeyer, clearing earlier reports that the body was in the church.

Investigators say no determination has been made about cause of death and it is being treated as suspicious. Kohlmeyer says Salem has requested that the Oregon State Police Crime respond and process the scene. "At this time no identification has been made, nor has it been determined how long the body had been there."

The car had not been reported stolen and detectives are in the process of trying to locate the registered owner. The license number and description of the car is not being released until after that contact has been made. Salem Police detectives are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call detectives at 503-588-6050.