Death of Donald Thompson in Racine now ruled a homicide

RACINE -- The death of 84-year-old Donald Thompson at a home in Racine was ruled a homicide on Monday, November 12th.

Thompson was found in his home on Victory Ave. by a relative around 3:20 p.m. Thursday, November 8th. That relative called 911 — and when the emergency responders arrived on scene, they found Thompson was deceased.

Racine police say the Korean War era Army veteran suffered traumatic injuries that killed him. 

Nobody is in custody at this point.

His niece reportedly found Thompson deceased. FOX6 News spoke with Thompson's nephew Tuesday, who said the family is too shaken up to talk about his death right now.

The news that Thompson's death is now considered a murder came as a shock to Thompson's family and friends, who say Thompson relied on relatives to help him out around the house.

Neighbors told FOX6 News a murder so close to home is shocking.

"It's crazy to hear that it's around here because I've never heard of anything like that around here. I just come home from work and there's hell out here, and it's just two houses away," Thompson's neighbor Benjamin Seitz said.

Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that you may have about this crime. You are urged to call the Racine Police Department at 262-635-7700 and ask for the Investigations Unit, or Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.

Thompson is expected to be laid to rest on Thursday, November 15th. At that point, Thompson's family said they may be willing to make a statement.

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