Officers were called shortly before 4 p.m. on Nov. 10 to the 4200 block of Franklintown Road, in the city's Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park neighborhood, for a reported cutting. They found Dierker near a bicycle believed to be his, suffering from multiple stab wounds, according to the Baltimore Police Department. He was pronounced dead at the scene, near the trail entrance off Franklintown Road.

No suspect information was available as of Wednesday night. Police said the investigation is active and ongoing and asked anyone with information to call detectives at 410-396-2100. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.

Towson University confirmed that Dierker had worked as an adjunct faculty member in the music department since 2009. In a statement, a university spokesperson said the campus community was "deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of a member of our Towson University community."

"Our hearts are with his family, friends, colleagues and students during this incredibly difficult time," the statement continued. "The loss of one of our faculty members is deeply felt, and we are committed to supporting those impacted in the days ahead."

Residents of the nearby Hunting Ridge neighborhood said the killing has left them unsettled, particularly because it occurred at a busy, public spot near a parking lot.

"It's a little scary, yes, yes. Definitely scary," one woman told a reporter.

Mike Olliver, who described himself as a concerned neighbor, said the location is heavily traveled. "Where it happened is a very public spot, right near a parking lot," he said. "Either somebody had a beef, or they would just have to steal a bike. I don't know what happened. But, it's very shocking."

Margaret Engvall, another neighbor, said she was "just horrified" by the news. "Because I like to spend time in the park, although I don't spend much," she said. "But just the idea that someone was so vulnerable there."

The killing has renewed attention on safety along the Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park trail network, a popular corridor for cyclists, walkers and commuters that runs through one of Baltimore's largest green spaces. The park has long been the subject of both affection and unease among residents, and the fatal stabbing at a trailhead parking area has amplified concerns about how public green spaces are monitored and protected.

Dierker's death is being investigated as a homicide. Police have not released any information about a possible motive or suspects, and it was not immediately clear whether investigators believe the attack was targeted or random.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Baltimore police detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.