Managing Editor

Dec. 7, 2000 10 PM

Troy Police Department detectives are investigating a Thursday night homicide in the Southland Mobile Home Park just off Highway 87 in South Troy.

According to unofficial sources including residents in Southland Mobile Home Park, a suspect was allegedly stabbed during the process of a burglary of a home, and subsequently fell dead fleeing the scene of the encounter.

The body of the subject, identified by police as "a black male in his mid-20s," was found in front of a residence at 108 Sanrda Circle within the mobile home park.

Officers and investigators from the TPD examined the body and the one-block area for clues until around 9 p.m.

The body was transported from the scene by a Haynes Ambulance Service unit at approximately 8:30 p.m.

According to area residents, three subjects forced their way into a home in an apparent burglary attempt. At least two occupants were in the home at the time of the alleged break-in.

Upon entry, the would-be burglars were allegedly met with resistance from the occupants. As the altercation broke out, one of the residents stabbed one of the assailants with a kitchen knife.

At press time, police had not made an official determination on the identity of the subject.

"We are not prepared to make any comment on this case," said one of the officers working the crime scene. "We are still investigating."

Police were not calling the fatal stabbing a "murder" Thursday night, and referred to it as a homicide. "Murder" is a term reserved for those charged with the unlawful slaying of an individual.

Police would not comment on whether or not any arrests were forthcoming as a result of the incident and at press time said they would make a formal statement today.

The Messenger will post developments in the case to its website, www.troymessenger.com Friday and Saturday as information regarding the case is revealed.