By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

Salisbury Police say a 71-year-old man who died Saturday after being shot inside his West Kerr Street home appears to be a random act of violence.

Salisbury Police responded to 628 W. Kerr St. at 11:26 p.m. in reference to a shooting. Upon arriving at the home, police found Emerson Truitt Roebuck with gunshot wounds.

Roebuck was discovered by his roommate, who heard the gunshots and found him in the living room. Police said Roebuck was taken to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, where he later died.

Salisbury Police Department’s criminal investigations division and the SBI responded to the crime scene and began a joint investigation.

Police said Roebuck is not someone they’ve had much interaction with and it appears the crime is random. There was no forced entry into the home and no arrest has been made.

According to Police spokesman Greg Beam, Roebuck did have a home invasion earlier this month. In that incident, three males entered his home while he was watching television. The men held him at gunpoint and demanded money. The men took the money and left.

There’s no indication at this point whether the home invasion and Roebuck’s death are related, Beam said.

Roebuck’s death marks the city of Salisbury’s second homicide of the year.

If you have any information in this case you are asked to contact the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333 or Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.