Senior Citizen Found Slain In Indy Home

INDIANAPOLIS -- Police were trying to determine who killed a man whose body was found in his south-side Indianapolis home Thursday afternoon.

Officers found the body of Richard Hager, 68, in his living room in the 300 block of East Epler Avenue. The officers were at the house because someone had told them some of Hager's dogs were running loose, authorities said.

Investigators believe Hager was shot, but they won't be sure about the cause of death until an autopsy is performed, Indianapolis police Capt. Phil Burton said.

Police said the slaying might have happened as someone attempted to burglarize the home, 6News' Tanya Spencer reported. The home's front door was open when officers arrived, police said.

Hager sold produce and other things at the home, so people would frequently come and go, some of his friends told 6News.

Hager lived alone and had no relatives locally, the friends said.

Neighbors were alerted that something might be wrong at the home when they saw his pets roaming.

"They went over to the residence (and saw) the screen door was closed. The inner door was open," said Indianapolis Metro police Capt. Phil Burton.

Neighbors said they were upset about what happened.

"I don't know what else to say. I'm shocked," said Robert Colb. "He sold squash. He's got all kinds of fruits and stuff. He's a real nice guy -- never had any animosity toward anyone that I know of."

Police asked anyone who may have seen anything to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.