84-year-old Indiana man found dead inside ransacked home

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Police in Lafayette say an 84-year-old man was found dead inside his ransacked home.

Investigators didn't immediately rule that William Hartlep's death was a homicide but Lt. Tom Davidson says items were apparently taken from the home.

A family member found Hartlep's body Wednesday afternoon at the home on the city's south side. The Journal & Courier reports investigators spent the next seven hours searching for clues.

The cause of Hartlep's death wasn't released pending an autopsy.

Neighbors described Hartlep as a friendly man who would sit in his driveway and wave to passers-by.