Fort Collins police piece together homicide case

Police are investigating a homicide after finding a body at an apartment complex in central Fort Collins on Wednesday.

SATURDAY 8/5 UPDATE: Police arrest suspect in Fort Collin homicide 

FRIDAY 8/5 UPDATE: Fort Collins police find homicide victim's missing car

The Larimer County Coroner's Office identified the deceased person as 65-year-old William Grabusky. 

Police first responded to Grabusky's apartment at the Preserve at the Meadows, in the 3400 block of Riva Ridge Place, at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday after one of his relatives called police to say she had not been able to reach him for several weeks.

The officer checking in on Grabusky found his body in his apartment.

The coroner's office conducted an autopsy Thursday morning and ruled the death a homicide, but the office has not released information about how or when Grabusky died. More information will be released when the coroner's office gains a better understanding of the time frame of events through the investigation, spokeswoman Debbie Reisdorff said in an email.

Detectives have not been able to find Grabusky's vehicle, a gray 2016 Hyundai Elantra with Colorado license plate QRM176. Police ask that anyone who sees the vehicle report it to police immediately. 

"As a safety precaution, do not attempt to make contact with the vehicle's occupant(s)," police said in a Thursday news release.

Police have been "holding the scene" at the residence since Grabusky's body was discovered, meaning an officer has been present at the address to make sure any evidence is protected.

Fort Collins police spokeswoman Kate Kimble said this is common practice when officers believe they might need to gather further evidence. On Thursday morning, officers were standing on the balcony of the apartment building and talking on cellphones. Traffic cones blocked off parking spaces in front of the building.

Samuel Stephens, who has lived in the building for about two years, said he had some interactions with Grabusky. He said the 65-year-old liked to take walks in the neighborhood.

"He kept to himself, for the most part," Stephens said.

Stephens said he found out about the death when police officers knocked on his door. He has since spoken with investigators several times. He said he had not yet received any notification from the apartment complex management.

On Thursday afternoon, the staircase leading to Grabusky's apartment was blocked off with crime scene tape. Business cards from Fort Collins Police Services were wedged in several closed apartment doors in the building.

Stephens said he feels safe in the neighborhood and hadn't noticed anything unusual in the past few days, except for police activity beginning Wednesday.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call Detective Jason Curtis at 970-416-2441 or Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. 

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Homicides in Larimer County

• 2017 year to date: 5 (3 fatal police shootings)
• 2016: 11 (2 fatal police shootings)
• 2015: 7 (3 fatal police shootings)
• 2014: 6 (1 fatal police shooting)
• 2013: 4 (1 fatal police shooting)

*Even though officers have been cleared of criminal wrongdoing in police shootings, the suspect's death is still ruled a homicide by the coroner's office. 

Source: Larimer County Coroner's Office

This is a developing story, check back with Coloradoan.com for updates.