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Renton police investigate after man found dead in apartment

RENTON, Wash. — A woman made a horrible discovery Wednesday afternoon.  She found her friend dead inside an apartment near Shattuck Avenue South and Houser Way South.

Police describe the death as suspicious, but would only say the victim suffered “obvious violent trauma.”  A police spokesman at the apartment refused to clarify that statement.

Family began showing up at the scene late Wednesday and identified the victim as Jerry Turner, better known in the neighborhood as JT.  A nephew said he was in his 60s and was dealing with terminal stomach cancer.

“I have no idea why someone would want to do this,” the nephew said. “This is ridiculous, I have no idea.”

Family said the apartment where Turner was found is being rented by his ex-wife.  The two stayed in touch because both were dealing with serous medical issues.

Oswald Baccay, a neighbor who lives in the apartment complex., said he was home much of the day and did not hear anything strange.  Baccay said he left to pick up his son at school at 3 p.m.  and by the time he returned police were everywhere, telling him he could not go home.

Baccay said he is moving out as soon as possible to keep his son safe.

Police got the initial call at 3:45 p.m., but do not yet know how long the body was there.

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