Man killed at City Park was retired postal worker, avid runner

Posted 5/21/13

The Warwick Police Department is investigating the homicide of John “Jack” Fay, 66, a retired postal worker and avid runner, after his body was found in a trash barrel along a bike path at City Park Saturday morning.

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Man killed at City Park was retired postal worker, avid runner

Posted

UPDATE: Capt. Robert Nelson of the Warwick Police Department announced Tuesday evening that the victim defended himself. As a result, the assailant might have injuries consistent with being involved on a violent attack. Police are not commenting on possible suspects or motives but are stepping up patrols on all three shifts to find the killer. They are also advising the public to stay out of City Park between dusk and dawn.

The Warwick Police Department is investigating the homicide of John “Jack” Fay, 66, a retired postal worker and avid runner, after his body was found in a trash barrel along a bike path at City Park Saturday morning.

Detective Capt. Robert Nelson said Fay, who lived on Guilford Drive in Warwick, frequented the path for use as a running trail and was likely attacked and killed in the park between late Thursday evening into Friday not far from the location his body was discovered.

According to the city’s Board of Canvassers, Fay has been a registered voter since 1974.

Michael Bergevine was at City Park warming up to play in a softball tournament Saturday when he learned of the incident. Bergevine, who grew up in Warwick, said his team was about to play ball on Field 3 between 10:45 and 11 a.m. when umpires informed players there would be a game delay because a body was found close by.

“At first, we thought he was kidding,” Bergevine said. “We had played a game at 9 a.m.”

Around noon, said Bergevine, players were asked to leave the fields.

“There was a police officer near the area telling everyone they needed to turn around and go a different route,” he said.

Police, who say this is the fourth homicide in Warwick this year, responded to the scene around 10:30 a.m. Investigators, along with police dogs, searched the park.

“I saw a few detectives and some of the police officers searching the area for clues and any evidence they could find,” said Bergevine. “I never saw the body, but I could see the barrel from the dugout.”

Erica Caligiuri, a teacher from Cranston, was walking at the park Saturday morning with a friend when a man approached her. He told her the path was closed because police found a body.

“We weren’t really sure if it was true or not,” said Caligiuri, who stayed at the park and continued her stroll. “When we left we didn’t think anything of it until we saw something posted from one of the news stations and it hit us that it was true. I feel terrible that it happened.”

Despite the grim news, Caligiuri said she plans to return to the park.

“I love the route, but I will always make sure someone comes with me or run with someone near me,” she said.

On Sunday, the park had visitors but with a visible police presence. Nicole Brouillette said she will continue to make trips to the park with her children and dog, but doesn’t plan on going alone. Her friend, Debbie Ross of Pawtucket, said that’s probably a good idea.

“I think it’s wise to stay with a group,” Ross said.

While people await details of how Fay was killed, Nelson published a photo of Fay and a continuing appeal to possible witnesses to contact police. Results of the Medical Examiner’s autopsy were not available when the Beacon went to press yesterday.

Anyone who has information about the crime is asked to call Sgt. Mark Canning at 468-4236 or the TIPS line at 732-8477 or 468-4233.

Comments

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  • novastyles

    Shame on the WARWICK BEACON for posting this mans home address. What purpose does this serve? So criminals can stalk this home???? If i were family to this man I'd be sure action was taken for this! This was supposedly stopped years ago!

    Being in that neighborhood you cannot imagine the "onlookers" driving by. This family deserves respect and privacy at such a heart wrenching time! I am willing to bet whomever did the editing on this ''STORY" would NEVER have this happen to them! DISGUSTED!

    VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!!

    Tuesday, May 21, 2013 Report this

  • allent

    i'm going there and catch that maniac and chuck him in the ocean.

    Tuesday, May 21, 2013 Report this

  • HerbTokerman

    The Warwick PD obviously has no leads at all on this case and are grasping at straws at this point.

    They were unconstitutionally asking random people for ID that were walking the path on rocky point the other day, trying to get a profile on people who visit the parks to walk dogs apparently.

    Saturday, May 25, 2013 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    WPD said they have several leads. I think they will solve this (unless "hepdog" goes and "chucks that maniac into the ocean" first)

    Monday, May 27, 2013 Report this

  • itsmewhosu

    Lol. How exactly is it relevant that he was a registered voter since 1974? Hahaha who is this amateur "news writer" anyway?

    Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Report this

  • itsmewhosu

    WPD has leads? Right. That's why they're "not releasing any info" but yet are warning people to stay out of the park between dusk and dawn? Yup. Sounds to me like they have this in the bag...not. *rolls eyes*

    Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Report this

  • wwkvoter

    I'm certain that our accredited, professional, respected police department wouldnt want to tip their hands with whatever information may have been accumulated. Let them do their job. As to the reporter, Ms Botelho is as good as any I've seen and the registered voter info puts the victim into the context of a long term resident of our community. Remember, there are reporters and police investigators and blog commenters. You are in the latter category. Let the professionals do their job. I am also CERTAIN that the police wish to solve this as quickly as possible.

    Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Report this

  • allent

    they could tip whether they think it was random or family. that kind of might be important.

    supposedly happened in the morning. bet it was a robbery from an all night binging druggie.

    went there around 5pm today. wouldn't have known that a murder had happened there recently. people everywhere.

    kinda hoping I'd run into him. looking behind every tree. trouble is, assuming he had a knife, that's a tough nut to crack. he could be on you in seconds knifing you and there's nothing you could do about it.

    Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Report this

  • bwoodbrook

    I lived outside the gates of City Park in Buttonwoods for 20 years-I lived just around the corner from Craig Price during his "slaughter spree" between 1987-89, when 4 people were treacherously murdered. He was a 13 year old serial killer! 10 years ago I moved away from this dangerous area. The police have always stated that City Park was a "magnet" for crime activity and should NEVER be entered after dusk-the police have covered up many deviant crimes there. I am so thankful I was able to move away from Buttonwoods-a very dangerous and scary neighborhood. This murderer will be found-but these poor Buttonwoods residents shouldn't be put through this fear again!

    Thursday, May 30, 2013 Report this