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THE ADVOCATE

September 26, 1989

BODY OF A MAN DISCOVERED IN HOOPER PARK

Gill Stevens

CITY POLICE have discovered the remains of an adult male buried three miles south of Hooper Park in Baton Rouge early yesterday morning. The man has not yet been identified, although forensic experts believe that he had passed away either between ‘86 or 88. It took several hours to recover the body, which will be sent in for an autopsy report. Currently, the cause of death is unknown, but the Baton Rouge Police Department and FBI are investigating further.

Chief of Police Wayne Rogillo advises for the public to “exercise caution when using the trail” and to “only do so during the daytime in groups of two or more.” He says, “No other information is released at the time as we are currently working to notify family.”

Hooper Park was closed yesterday.

So far, there is no suspect.

The male victim’s personal items, including his watch and wedding ring, have been brought to the lab for DNA testing and fingerprint analysis. Forensic experts intend to identify the man with dental records. The BRPD is hoping that anyone who may have any information can come immediately to the police station.

“What a shame,” says fitness and lifestyle coach Rachel Bruner, who usually takes her morning jogs on the Hooper Park trail. “This is a place of community, where people walk their dogs, have picnics, and hang out with friends. I’m a mom of three. You saying that I can’t even bring my kids out to the park anymore? It’s absolute madness.”

Other Baton Rouge residents share completely different perspectives.

”I just hope they find whoever they did it, and fast,” says John Beckman. He is a cyclist and has competed in the Olympics twice. The trail is a popular training spot for athletes. “Whoever could’ve done something like this needs to take full responsibility and come forward, but we know that’s not going to happen anytime soon. I’ll sleep better at night knowing when that individual is finally placed behind bars. You can only hide for so long. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family.”

“It ain’t fair to the rest of us,” says Monica Taylor, a regular user of Hooper Park says, who usually takes her morning walks there.“I don’t give a damn how long ago this happened. I’m concerned that the perpetrator is going to continue to do this to the other parks in the area, and now no one will be able to escape the bustle of the city and unwind with nature. Working out in the gym ain’t the same as working out outside, and no one can convince me otherwise.”

Police plan to have updates ready for the public within the following days. In the meantime, the BRPD strongly recommends for city residents to never go to the park at night, to be aware of their surroundings, and to always have a partner.