Authorities identify Rutland homicide victim

RUTLAND, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The victim in Saturday's homicide has been identified as 59-year-old David J. Alan, found dead in his home.

On Monday, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. identified Alan as the victim at 124 East County Road, but did not release any other information except to state that the investigation into his death was continuing.

But more information about Alan came from neighbors on Monday.

"Anyone, their next door neighbor, something happens like that, that's enough to shock you," said Greg, a neighbor across the road who did not want his last name used. "I hope they get a suspect. That it wasn't just a random thing."

Greg describes Alan as a strange neighbor and recluse who didn't want to be seen, living alone in the house for decades.

"$12 a month electric bill. He was very proud of that," Greg said. "With a 40 watt bulb. That's the only bulb he had in the house to light his way. His kitchen was his bedroom, his TV room. With a giant house like that."

Rutland police logs show officers were called to Alan's home to check on a possible missing person around 10:45 a.m. Saturday, and after the body was discovered, a detective on scene asked that two phone numbers be pinged.

It's unclear whose numbers those belonged to.

Greg tells FOX 25 the police were called to Alan's home often, but for much less serious issues. Police logs also show dozens of calls to Alan's home since 2009 with a few reports of larceny and breaking and entering.

Last Thursday night, police responded to reports of a dark-colored pick up truck going in and out of driveways in this neighborhood. Now it's unclear if it's at all connected to this case, but a man who lives a few houses down from this homicide scene reported having his dirt bike stolen.

The logs show Rutland police never found the truck, which was reportedly headed toward Hubbardston.

Alan's death is the second homicide in this quiet farming community in less than a year. In December, a woman was found dead after a fire in her home on Joanna Drive. Two men have been charged in that case.

Cox Media Group