On the evening of July 14, 2000 officers went to check on the resident at 3411 Ashford Street. Upon their arrival, the officers were met by neighbors who said they had not seen the resident, Robert Belton, for several days and were concerned about his well-being. The officers subsequently forced entry into the house and discovered Belton inside dead. Belton had been beaten to death with a blunt object.

Beltons 2000 Chevrolet pick-up truck was missing from the residence. It was later recovered.