Police: Robbery likely motive in killing

WEATHERSFIELD -- Police Chief Joseph P. Consiglio said officers suspect robbery was the motive in the slaying of a retired 76-year-old man who died Nov. 21 in his residence.
The Trumbull County coroner's office said John P. Crocker was assaulted in his one-story home at 1189 Emerson Ave. and died of multiple gunshot wounds and multiple blunt- and sharp-force injuries. The coroner ruled the death a homicide.
The coroner's report does not specify the type and caliber of gun used or the type of instruments used to inflict the blunt and sharp force, and Consiglio declined to identify the gun or instruments. An autopsy was performed Nov. 22.
Nobody has been arrested or charged, but Consiglio said police are investigating "a person of interest" in the case and consulting with the Trumbull County prosecutor's office. A police news conference was scheduled for early today.
Consiglio would not comment on whether any money or property was missing from Consiglio's residence or elaborate on why robbery is a suspected motive.
Crocker was found inside his home at about 4:30 p.m. Nov. 21 by his stepson, Kenneth Watkins of Howland, who checked on him daily, Consiglio said.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation processed the scene for evidence Nov. 21.