Murder confirmed by autopsy

(Updated)

Hamilton Police continue to investigate what is the city’s third murder of 2014.

More is coming to light about the 57-year old man found dead in his apartment Thursday evening.  The autopsy Friday revealed he died of blunt force trauma.

This is Ernie Sitter on New Year’s Eve, celebrating with neighbours.

Rod Ryan is a neighbour: “We got real close over the summer. We all used to sit together outside, have a few beers in the evening time. It was nice and warm.”

Pauline Douglass is a neighbour: “I knocked on his door the last few days. Didn’t answer. I used to go to the store for him, do his shopping. Last time I seen him was Sunday.”

Pauline says on Thursday evening, Sitter’s niece found him dead in the King Street East apartment. That’s when police were called: “His family found him on the floor behind the recliner, beaten to death.”

Neighbours say Sitter had a rough few years. He lost his son in a car crash. Then last year, his nephew, Robert Sitter; the 31-year old was hit by a cab after a Buffalo Bills game. He was transported back to Hamilton but died in hospital. And just a couple months ago, another neighbour friend died of a heart attack.

“Last time I seen him he seemed quite upset about something. He was, as usual. Well I don’t want to say that on camera but he like to drink. No surprised to anyone.”

Sitter worked for U.S. Steel, cleaning cranes, until he retired last year, when hip surgery made mobility difficult. Neighbours say he had been beaten up before. And they’ve been told his wallet is now missing.

“Then I find out it happened again this year. Happened same time last year. He was beaten up. Somebody hit him for money. He was a good person. He’d give you the shirt off your back if you asked. He’d have money in his wallet, and, there were some idiots that sit there. That’s what happened that night, I know that.

The homicide unit is investigating and asking anyone who may have information in the case to come forward.