FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM)- The victim in a homicide case being investigated by University of Arkansas Police (UAPD) has been identified, according to Capt. Gary Crain.
UAPD started investigating the homicide after a body was found on land leased by the university, according to police.The body was identified as David Henry Fox, Jr., 53, authorities said.
Investigators responded to a wooded area near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Razorback Road, south of Indian Trail, Sunday (Jan. 4) at 8:45 a.m. Crain said Fayetteville police received the initial 911 call.
The body was taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy. On Tuesday, the preliminary autopsy determined the cause of death to be homicide by blunt force trauma, according to Crain. A Raz-Alert went out to students Tuesday evening.
"This is not an accident, it is a crime and that's why the notice went out," Crain said.
Crain said the area is a known homeless camp. He said at this time, investigators believe Fox is either homeless or visiting someone in the area.
"That area is not part of any trail system, is not part of any area where people are encouraged to go hiking, as a matter of fact there's been efforts over the year to stop people from going there," Crain said.
Salvation Army Area Manager Major NJ Pope said Northwest Arkansas is no stranger to homelessness. He said homeless camps can be dangerous.
"You have so many different personalities, so many mental issues that take place and then the drugs that might be involved," Pope said.
He said they have tried to clear the woods of the homeless community several times over the past few years. Pope said moving the community may not be the answer.
"It isn't the case you're going to ever see that if you don't let them stay in that spot, they will just disappear and never be there, no they're going to move to another place where they can set up," Pope said.
If you have any information regarding the investigation, call University of Arkansas Police at (479) 575-2222.