A 69-year-old man was found dead inside a van on Sunday by the facility manager of Locker Room Self Storage Inc. in Southwest Philadelphia. James Williams was discovered about 3 p.m. lying face down with his hands and legs tied behind his back inside a 1986 GMC Savana parked at 2231 S. 62nd St. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Police said the man also suffered facial injuries, but they did not disclose the cause of death. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. No arrests have been reported.
Although Williams had a home, he used his residence only to receive mail and primarily lived out of the van while working security at the self-storage facility, a friend, who asked not to be identified, told the “Philadelphia Daily News.”
Williams was a longtime member of the State Burners Motorcycle Club and kept his motorcycle at the storage facility, the friend said. “If he had an enemy, I didn't know it," the friend said. "I know this: There had to be more than one of them."
Police have offered a $20,000 reward for an arrest that leads to a conviction in the case. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact Philadelphia police at 215.686.8477 or tips@phillypolice.com.
