NYPD probing death at homeless shelter

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - A gruesome crime scene was discovered just was after 8 a.m. inside of the Bellevue Men's Shelter in Manhattan. A 56-year-old man was found with injuries to his neck inside of a room.

The medical examiner will determine the exact cause of death. But this is now a homicide investigation handled by 13th Precinct. Police are asking for public's help with finding the person or people responsible.

NYPD investigators say the victim was staying in a room that had three beds. Chief of Detectives William Aubry said that the room appeared to be in disarray as if from a struggle ensued. he said 67 people were on the 3rd floor, and the police are expected to speak with all of them.

Shelter residents told Fox 5 they have been concerned about their safety at the facility on 30th Street and 1st Avenue. They say there are no cameras and have been begging for more protection for years.

Officials told Fox 5 that a supervisor, five peace officers, and 18 contracted guards were working when the incident took place at the city-run shelter. They say the city is actively working on to improving shelter conditions.

The Department of Homeless Services said in a statement that reads in part: "The City is committed to improving shelter safety, which is why we have the NYPD doing a complete review and training DHS peace officers who provide security."

NYPD said there have been two felony assaults at the Bellevue men's shelter this year; both of those were violent acts against DHS officers.