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Police boost Leakin Park patrols as search for Towson professor's killer continues
Baltimore Police have increased patrols along the Gwynns Falls Trail in Leakin Park after Towson University professor John Dierker was fatally stabbed there Tuesday. No arrests have been made and investigators have not determined a motive or whether the attack was random or targeted.
Baltimore Police have stepped up patrols in Leakin Park as the investigation into the fatal stabbing of a Towson University professor enters its fourth day with no arrest and no confirmed motive.
John Dierker, 62, was killed Tuesday near the entrance to the Gwynns Falls Trail in West Baltimore. A memorial of flowers now sits at the spot where the longtime music professor died.
On Friday, officers on bicycles patrolled the trails while a police helicopter circled overhead. At times, the police presence appeared to outnumber park visitors.
"It's a little scary, you know. If it was during the day, that's a really, really terrible thing that could happen," said Chris Brown, who was visiting the park.
Brown said the visible security would make him more cautious before returning with his family. "It's going to make me do a little bit of investigation of my own, you know, before I bring my family back," he said. Of the increased patrols, he added: "If they keep it up, yeah, that'd be a good thing. Protecting the citizens is what they're supposed to do."
Dierker lived in Dickeyville with his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Ida, according to a GoFundMe organized by his neighbors. He was a familiar figure on the park's trails, where he spent his free time cycling and enjoying the outdoors. He had taught in Towson University's music department since 2009.
"The loss of one of our faculty members is deeply felt, and we are committed to supporting those impacted in the days ahead," the university said in a statement.
The GoFundMe campaign for Dierker's family had raised more than $90,000 as of Friday.
Police said the homicide investigation remains open. Investigators have not said whether they believe the attack was random or targeted, and no suspect has been publicly identified.
Authorities plan to continue canvassing the area and are urging park visitors to take precautions: carry a cell phone, share their location with family members and avoid isolated areas. They are also reminding the public that the park is open only from dawn until sunset.
Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the park over the past several weeks to come forward. Metro Crime Stoppers is offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
The killing has unsettled residents of nearby Hunting Ridge and others who use the popular trail corridor, raising questions about safety in one of Baltimore's largest green spaces. The increased patrols are expected to remain in place while the investigation continues.