“We believe it’s more random. Not a family member or friend,” said police Chief Matt Lingrell.
Taylor was found beaten inside his home in the 500 block of Dorothy Moore Avenue Oct. 25.
He was flown by medical helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and later his family transferred him to the Hospice of Dayton.
Police located his 2006 Jeep Liberty at the Long John Silver’s restaurant on South Limestone Street in Springfield. Lingrell said they’ve collected evidence from both the home and the vehicle they hope will lead to an arrest.
In his 27 years working with the police department, Lingrell said he’s never had a case like this.
“The scene — very pristine residence, very well-kept residence, very bloody residence,” Lingrell said. “Yes, there’s violence in Urbana. Do we have home invasion assaults in Urbana? No.”
Friends said the “horrible news” of the attack on Taylor and his death traveled quickly. In its wake were anger and sadness.
“It’s scary to think that anybody in their right mind could do that to another human being, let alone someone of his age,” said Sandi Lewis, a waitress at the Rockin’ Robin Diner where Taylor was a frequent customer.
She’d known Taylor since she was a young girl. At 80, she said he rode his bike 80 miles just to prove he could do it. At the diner, he was always pulling jokes on the staff.
“You’d set something down in front of him and he’d look at you like ‘I don’t think I ordered that,’” Lewis said. “And you’d flop him on the head and say ‘Yes you did, Louie.’”
Ruth Knight, Taylor’s neighbor, said he “always had a smile on his face.” She said his death has made her more cautious.
“When I walk I keep my eyes open and sometimes look behind me ever since this has happened,” she said.
Police said they are hoping residents may have more tips to help them solve this case.
“Don’t drop the ball on us,” Lingrell said. “Let us know if there is any little item that you saw, you’ve heard, you think may be a part that may be important to this.”
Callers can leave anonymous tips at (937) 652-4350.
About the Author