No arrests, no motive: Police step up patrols after deadly stabbing in Leakin Park

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Three days after a Towson University professor was fatally stabbed in Leakin Park, Baltimore Police are increasing patrols along the trails as investigators continue searching for his killer.

John Dierker, 62, was stabbed to death Tuesday near the entrance to the Gwynns Falls Trail in West Baltimore. A memorial of flowers now marks the area where the longtime professor lost his life.

“It’s a little scary, you know. If it was during the day, that’s a really, really terrible thing that could happen,” said Chris Brown, a park visitor.

On Friday, FOX45 observed a heavy police presence throughout the park, with a helicopter flying overhead and several officers patrolling the trails on bicycles. At times, officers appeared to outnumber visitors.

ALSO READ | Bicyclist fatally stabbed near Leakin Park trail identified as TU faculty member, musician

“It’s going to make me do a little bit of investigation of my own, you know, before I bring my family back,” Brown said.

According to a GoFundMe organized by his neighbors, Dierker lived in Dickeyville with his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Ida. He was a familiar face on the trails, frequently spending his free time cycling and enjoying the outdoors. Dierker was also a beloved professor in Towson University’s music department, where he had worked since 2009.

“The loss of one of our faculty members is deeply felt, and we are committed to supporting those impacted in the days ahead,” the university said in a statement.

The GoFundMe has already raised more than $90,000.

Meanwhile, Baltimore Police say the homicide investigation remains ongoing. No arrests have been made, and investigators have not confirmed a motive or indicated whether they believe the attack was random or targeted.

ALSO READ | Hunting Ridge neighbors shaken by deadly stabbing on busy Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park trail

Police say they plan to continue canvassing the area and are encouraging visitors to take additional safety precautions, including carrying a cell phone, sharing their location with family members and avoiding isolated areas.

“If they keep it up, yeah, that’d be a good thing,” Brown said of the increased patrols, “Protecting the citizens is what they’re supposed to do.”

Police are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the park over the past several weeks to come forward. They’re also reminding visitors that the park is only open from dawn until sunset.

Metro Crime Stoppers is also offering a $6,000 reward for information that could help lead to an arrest.