July 26, 2004

Man, 83, found dead in home
By Farren Clark Staff Writer

An 83-year-old Thibodaux man was found dead in his home Sunday evening, the apparent victim of what police are calling a “suspicious death.” According to a report from the Thibodaux Police Department, Murphy Baye, 1706 Oakley St., was found after police received a 911 call from one of Baye’s family members at about 5:20 p.m. Chief Craig Melancon said he believes the death is a homicide but there could be another cause. “He was complaining with family members about chest pains,” said Melancon.

“Although we do see signs of blunt force trauma and that someone has gone through his residence and either taken money or items, there is a remote possibility that he didn’t die because of blunt force trauma. He may have died of a heart attack secondary to the attack.” Not that it changes the fact that his home was broken into, or even if (the attacker) was let into his home. He was struck about the body by blunt force trauma and he had some health issues. That’s something that we’re looking into,” Melancon said. Melancon said Baye lived owned three apartments .

Baye’s death is being investigated as a homicide pending the results of a forensic autopsy planned to be conducted by the Jefferson Parish Forensic Facility today to determine the exact cause of death. Melancon said further information could not be released until after the autopsy is performed.