Watch CBS News

Police Investigating Murder Of 97-Year-Old Man

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore tallies yet another murder overnight Saturday. This time, a 97-year-old man was left for dead in his east Baltimore home.

Devin Bartolotta has more on how it happened, and what his family is saying in the aftermath.

Police are calling on neighbors to help catch a killer.

The 1700 block of Darley Avenue was always home for 97-year-old Waddell Tate.

"He lived in this neighborhood, everybody knew him. Quiet, mild tempered, he lost his wife several years ago. But he decided to just live here," says Deborah Broom.

But his home became a horrific crime scene Friday evening, when family found him dead -- beaten to death, police say, by an unknown attacker -- who appears to have broken in.

Police aren't sure if this was a robbery or if anything was taken from the home, but did not mince words when talking about the attacker.

Baltimore Police spokesman T.J. Smith calls the crime  "pathetic."

"I'm just not certain that hell is even enough for this guy, or this person who inflicted this type of harm on a 97-year-old," he says.

Family members, outside the home Saturday morning are devastated, as the man they called Pop-Pop was brutally murdered.

"I mean, they could have taken what they wanted to take. They did not have to take his life," says Broom.

It was an unfathomable end for an innocent, elderly man.

Police are hoping the public helps find his killer.

"This is something that we need to rally around the Tate family and find out whose responsible and walking amongst us that has the audacity to put their hands on a 97-year-old man," says Smith.

Police don't have any suspects at this time but say often, elderly victims know their attackers.

Police also found signs of forced entry into the home, but they are not sure if anything was taken.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call (410) 396-2100. Those who wish to remain anonymous can utilize the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line, at 1-866-7LOCKUP or text tips and video to 443-902-4824.

**Note: Police originally reported Tate was 98 years old, but have since corrected his age to 97. He would have turned 98 later this year.**

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.