Police: Man found in his home Sunday was murdered

Wichita police on Monday confirmed that a death first classified as “suspicious” on Sunday is the city’s latest homicide.

Robert Newman, 73, was found shot to death in his house at 3501 W. Ninth St. shortly after 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, Wichita police Lt. Todd Ojile said. The man was found by his older brother, who routinely brought food to Newman on Sunday afternoons and then they would watch television.

But the door was open when the brother arrived at Newman’s house, which is south across Ninth from Black Elementary School. A police report states the victim was found on the living room floor and had been shot in the head.

“Right now, we have no leads, no suspects,” Ojile said.

Newman “kept to himself,” Ojile said. “He was a tinkerer, a fixer, kind of a hoarder.”

He had lived in the pea green house for more than 30 years

Newman was last heard from Saturday night, Ojile said. Police officials on Sunday said neighbors had reported nothing unusual.

Investigators spent Monday looking for evidence at the house, Ojile said.

“It’s going to be difficult to tell if something is missing,” Ojile said.

Police are looking for anyone who knew Newman and had recent contact with him.

Anyone with information in the case is encouraged to call the homicide unit at 316-268-4181.

Newman’s death raises the number of homicides in Wichita this year to 19, Ojile said.

This story was originally published November 26, 2012 at 7:38 PM with the headline "Police: Man found in his home Sunday was murdered."