Police seek public's help in apparent homicide of man found in Cambridge park

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A homicide investigation is underway in Cambridge after police say a man died after he was found with a severe head injury at a local park.

Cambridge Police responded to a call for an unresponsive man in the New Street area of Danehy Park around 7 p.m. Wednesday, the Middlesex District Attorney’s office said in a statement.

The man, later identified as Paul Wilson, 60, was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries where he later died.

Neighbors say they're stunned by his brutal death.

"I'm like, Paul? Right next door? I'm like, 'Wow'!" said Chris Pallotta, who was neighbors with Wilson for 20 years.

“Paul was a neighbor in our building. Fantastic guy, really friendly, good neighbor. So the whole thing is really, really sad, We’ll miss having him around," said Erin Bloom.

Lifelong friend Steve Moscato told Boston 25 News he just can't believe Wilson is gone.

"It's just, you know, it's astonishing to me that anyone would want to hurt him," Moscato said. "Never judgmental, never a bad word to say about anybody. Always happy, always joking. You couldn't have a bad time with the guy. He’d turn and smile and give you the shirt off his back if you asked. It’s just so senseless.”

Police are hoping someone will remember Wilson, who they said is a 6-foot-6 Cambridge resident. He was wearing shorts and a red jacket.

Police tell Boston 25 News that investigators have been working around-the-clock since getting a 911 call Wednesday from someone who noticed a man laying on the ground, badly beaten.

According to officials, a baseball bat was found near the scene, but it's unknown if it is connected to the homicide.

Police say robbery does not seem to be a motive, as he still had personal items on him. It's unclear if the attack was random.

On Friday, investigators were back at Danehy Park searching for clues; some searching a marshy area with rakes and shovels, but it's unclear what exactly they were looking for.

Police have also asked nearby businesses for surveillance video.

Police say they've stepped up patrols around the park. They are also planning a community meeting to update neighbors living near the park on the investigation. That is set for Monday.

Police say there was one homicide in Cambridge in 2018.

Anyone with information is asked to call Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300 or anonymously through the Cambridge Police Anonymous Crime Tip Hotline at 617-349-3359. Anonymous tips can also be sent through the Cambridge Police MyPD mobile app or via text message to 847411 (Text TIP650 and then type your message).

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