ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -
A man was found dead in his home Friday morning after a
friend called 9-1-1 to say he found the body.
The murder happened along the 1000 block of North Ohio Avenue
in a quiet neighborhood that is shocked, including the mayor, who lives around
the corner.
FOX 29's Dave Kinchen spoke with friends and family
and reported live Friday night from Atlantic City.
Family members of 49-year-old Thomas Polk are stunned by his
murder.
They gathered as Atlantic City police and investigators from
the prosecutor's office combed through his row home on North Ohio Street, where
he was killed.
Authorities say Polk was shot several times after someone
broke into the house through the back.
His niece is in shock.
"It's a very tragic situation, very tragic," Mia Bailey
said.
Of her uncle, Bailey added, "He was a good guy. He
worked. He was married to my aunt. He loved my aunt."
Police were called to the scene Friday morning after a
friend found Polk's body.
Co-workers in Atlantic City's Public Works Department also grew
concerned after he did not show up for his shift. Friends say that wasn't like
him.
"He went to work every day," said Larry Wilson, a
friend of the victim. "He went to church. He would ride his bike. He would
speak to people. He would wave. Tommy was the type of guy that would help
anybody."
"He's a good guy, man – hard worker," another man
said.
Family members say Polk's SUV is missing as well.
Now, as investigators search for clues, his friends and
family have their own search for answers.
"I just can't understand why somebody would brutally – he
didn't deserve it," Wilson said.
"Hopefully, you know, justice will be served,"
said another friend.
Kinchen reported that no arrests have been made.
This is the second time tragedy has struck the family. Polk's
wife passed away suddenly just two months ago.
