Lincoln Police released new details on Wednesday afternoon in the death of a Lincoln man at a motel at at Northwest 12th and West Bond Street.
Assistant Chief Jason Stille identified the victim as 49 year old Ronnie Patz. Stille says they learned of Patz’s death while investigating the murder of 61 year old Ronald George, who was found stabbed to death in a field near 3rd and P Streets last week.
Stille says they believe these incidents to be related and Patz’s death is being investigated as a possible homicide. The information also led police to the City of Lincoln landfill, near Highway 77 and Bluff Road.
LPD says evidence crucial to this investigation is believed to be in this area. “You’re going to see several members of our crime scene investigators outside that landfill working to systematically go through the items to locate items of interest,” Stille says. “We haven’t undergone something of this magnitude for some time.”
He says they have security for that crime scene out there and is asking the public to stay away from the area. 55-year-old William Wright is in custody for the second degree murder of 61-year-old George. Additional charges against Wright are pending in Patz’s death.
” We would like to extend our condolences to Ronnie’s family and friends and ask the public to respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of their loved one.”
LPD is asking anyone with information regarding these incidents to come forward by calling 402.441.6000 or if they wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 402.475.3600.