© 2024 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Scroll down to see all available streams.

Portland Police Chief: Killing of Homeless Man Likely an 'Isolated Incident'

PORTLAND, Maine  — Portland Police Chief Michael Sauschuck says that while the death of a homeless man early Sunday morning is still under investigation, there is no reason to believe that the public is at further risk in the case.

At a news conference Monday, Sauschuck said the body of  54-year-old  Sunao Thomas Yamada Jr.  was found near the city's Old Port, and the death has been ruled a homicide.

"We don't have any patterns or trends or great deal of suspect information at this point," Sauschuck said. "So, because of the crime rate and the situations we have and what we deal with in the city of Portland on a regular basis, I would have to believe this is an isolated incident."

Sauschuck says Portland averages about two homicides a year and Yamada's death is only the second of 2017.  The cause of death has not been released.