DENVER (KDVR) — At the corner of 12th Avenue and Vine Street, there’s a unique home neighbors call “the white house.” That’s where William Hoebel lived with his wife.
The home is where police say Hoebel, 77, was found dead on Thursday afternoon, the victim of a homicide.
His death left neighbors unsettled.
“He was very kind and warm and welcoming,” neighbor Jon Hartshorn said.
Denver police have released few details about what happened to the man, known as Stu.
On Friday, police released a photo of Hoebel’s Nissan Rogue, which they said was taken after his death.
On the mobile app Nextdoor, neighbors described Hoebel and his wife as “nice people.” Others lamented the incident they said “rattled a tight-knit community.”
“I’m afraid that many of us are beginning to think twice about leaving our homes, particularly after dark,” Hartshorn said.
Hartshorn has lived in the neighborhood for 12 years. He said crime has come and gone.
“This just seems to be getting overwhelming,” Hartshorn said.
Hartshorn said another casualty of this homicide in the neighborhood might be the neighborly culture itself.
“I’m afraid that we’re all going to become paranoid if this continues,” Hartshorn said.
Reward offered for information
Denver police are asking the public’s help to find Hoebel’s car, which was stolen in the homicide.
The vehicle is silver 2018 Nissan Rogue with Colorado dealer plates.
View the bulletin from Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for anyone with information. Call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP).
