The 61-year-old was found dead with blunt force head injuries.
SWEDESBORO -- A man was found dead at an abandoned business on Wednesday morning, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office has announced.
His death has been ruled a homicide.
Investigators say Sylvester Combs, 61, had been missing for several days when his body was found in a trailer located at a deserted business.
Combs had no fixed address. Woolwich Township police were aware that he frequented the trailer, however, and his body was found on the property at about 11 a.m. Wednesday. Police said he had sustained multiple blunt force injuries to the head.
The GCPO declined to release any further information about the site where Combs was found, saying police wanted to keep the scene clear while the investigation was underway.
Teacher hid camera in rehearsal space bathroom, cops say
Mary Rambler, a volunteer at the Swedesboro thrift store and food pantry King's Things, said Combs was known to locals as "Buttons." King's Things volunteers had helped Combs with food and clothing, and had occasionally put him up in a hotel on cold nights. Other times, borough residents would give Combs a place to sleep in their own houses.
"He didn't pose a threat, and he didn't bother anybody. It's sad that somebody would've taken this kind of means to hurt him," Rambler said.
"There's a retired social worker who volunteers with us," she continued. "He checked up on Buttons regularly, making sure we knew where he was, that he was safe. It's a very sad day for us."
Rambler also described Combs as slight and frail, with years of homelessness taking a toll on his health.
"Whatever it was that happened, it wasn't necessary," she said.
Anyone with information about Combs' death is asked to contact Det. Greg Malesich of the GCPO at856-384-5626 or Det. Chris Beckett of the Woolwich PD at 856-467-1667, ext. 1224. Information can also be e-mailed anonymously to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.
Andy Polhamus may be reached at apolhamus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajpolhamus. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.