A man was found dead Thursday morning near Sanhican Drive and police are calling it a homicide.
"It appears he may have suffered a gunshot wound," Lt. Steven Varn said.
Varn said police received a call around 6:51 a.m. Thursday reporting a body near the canal. And when officers arrived on-scene, they found a man behind Sanhican Liquors suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Mercer County Prosecutors later identified the victim as 23-year-old Aaron Lewis, of Hamilton.
Citizens who were on-scene Thursday morning said the area where the body was found is a hot spot for crime. One citizen said someone recently fired shots into a car that was parked in the lot adjacent to the liquor store. The citizen said he does not think the shooting was ever reported to police, but the vehicle had one bullet hole near the gas tank, two in the passenger side door, one in the driver's door, and another in a front tire.
"No one was in the car at the time, but the shooter might have been sending a message,” the citizen said.
Police said Thursday that they have not received information about a recent car shooting in that area.
A crime scene technician takes pictures of suspected evidence lying in a parking lot near Sanhican Liquors, April 24, 2014. Trentonian Photo/PENNY RAY
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating Lewis' death.
Anyone with information may call (609) 989-6406, or use the Trenton police confidential tip line at (609) 989-3663.
Tipsters may also call the Trenton Crime Stoppers tipline at (609) 278-8477.
Those wishing to text a tip can send a message labeled TCSTIPS to Trenton Crime Stoppers at 274637.