Howard police announced Wednesday that a Columbia man found dead in the woods was murdered, making his death the fifth homicide in Howard this year.
“We are still looking for the truth, and we just want time to grieve,” said the sister of Wasel Ali, 19, who was found Monday by a man walking through the woods near the 12200 block of Green Meadow in Columbia.
Ali?s sister declined to give her name or comment further.
Following an autopsy, investigators said they believe Ali was beaten to death and died as a result of the injuries.
Police are not releasing the exact location of injuries to his body.
It is unclear from the autopsy results when Ali was killed, but the body had undergone some decomposition, according to the police report,
The family had reported him missing since Aug. 22, and the police had been investigating it as a missing persons case.
“I?m concerned, because I thought this area was very safe,” said neighbor Thomas Joseph, 51, on Warm Granite Drive in Columbia. “I had never heard of anything like this.”
Residents of the development were saddened by the news but said the family has had a steady flow of friends and family visiting over the past few days.
“We were all shocked,” neighbor James Richards said. “I didn?t even know he was missing.”
Police are offering a $5,000 reward and asking anyone with information to call 410-313-3200.
