'Disheveled' man found barefoot in cold weather accused of stabbing 78-year-old

DEARBORN, Mich. (TCD) -- A 31-year-old man who was found "disheveled" and barefoot on a cold sidewalk is accused of fatally stabbing a 78-year-old man.

According to a Dearborn Police Department statement, on Feb. 11 at around 9 a.m., Dearborn Fire and Police officials responded to a residence on the 7500 block of Indiana Street for a call about medical assistance. When they arrived, police officers located a 78-year-old man deceased and a 31-year-old suspect nearby.

Dearborn Police said they took the suspect into custody and believe the incident was not a "random act." MLive.com reports police said the suspect, Michael Steven Hicks, appeared "disheveled" and was "underdressed and without shoes in very cold weather." Officers reportedly went to Hicks' residence first and then the victim’s home on the next block.

WDIV-TV reports the victim was identified as Daniel Willard Sweeney. He was reportedly covered by a blanket on the floor of the living room and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Sweeney’s home reportedly looked as if it had been raided and ransacked. Investigators reportedly believe Hicks killed Sweeney with a kitchen knife, then stole his car. The car was reportedly found elsewhere.

According to Wayne County Jail inmate information, Hicks was booked on a first-degree murder charge and is being held without bond.

MORE: