Johns Creek veteran's death ruled homicide

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Friends of a Johns Creek veteran told Channel 2 Action News they're baffled about a violent death.
 
On Jan. 12, police said Carl Olin's daughter found him dead inside his home in a subdivision on Jones Bridge Road.
 
"At that point the investigator from the Medical Examiner's Office, and of course detectives from our agency came out to work the case together," said Johns Creek Police Lt. Chris Byers. "It appeared to be accidental."
 
But an autopsy report obtained by Channel 2's Mike Petchenik shows the 87-year-old was beaten to death, and suffered blunt-force trauma to his head.  The report also said there was no forced entry into the home, but that Olin's wallet had been taken.  The report said the medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide.
 
"The wallet was located some distance from the home, and that's one of the key pieces of evidence that has changed that finding on our part," said Byers.
 
Olin's neighbors told Petchenik they were shocked to hear about his death.
 
"He's just a really nice man," said Mary Martin.  "It's a shame.  I just hope he didn't suffer."
 
Neighbor Joy Kubie said she was surprised this could happen in such a tight-knit neighborhood.
 
"It had to be somebody he knew," said Kubie.
 
Police told Petchenik they believe Olin's death is an isolated incident.
 
Anyone with information on the case can call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.

WSBTV