ANN ARBOR, MI - Police are now calling the death of an Ann Arbor man a homicide.

Richard Fortune, 71, was found dead about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20 at his home in the 2600 block of Lillian Road on the east side of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor police Lt. Earle Fox said.

Officials were initially called to the scene for a welfare check requested by the University of Michigan hospital, he said. Details on why the check was requested were not immediately available.

Fox declined to release the manner of the homicide.

“It’s very key to our investigation,” he said. “It’s a detailed investigation. We’re doing multiple leads and conducting interviews.”

They initially believed the death to be suspicious based on "how we found the scene," he said.

Neighbors say Fortune was a retired postal worker who rented out rooms.

Police have been in touch with both roommates, as well as others with possible knowledge of the incident, Fox said. Both roommates were being cooperative.

No one was in custody as of midday Thursday.

Fortune, who went by “Dick,” was known for his vibrant personality and his habit of growing and leaving out dahlias for his neighbors to take, neighbors said.

He had a history of heart attacks and many thought he'd had a heart issue when they first saw ambulances on scene Wednesday.

It was already a busy day on the street, as a water main burst in front of Fortune’s home, said neighbor Tom Jackson.

"It's just weird; it's bizarre," Jackson said. "I was shaking out there talking to my neighbors."

Those with information on the death are asked to contact Ann Arbor police Detective Dan Iverson at 734-794-6930 extension 49321 or the Ann Arbor tip line at 734-794-6939.