Michigan lottery winner Arthur Neal Jr. was found dead Sunday of stab wounds after the 86-year-old Detroit man had been missing for more than a month.
Neal’s family said he went missing Dec. 20, a day after winning $20,0000 in the lottery. He was reported missing Dec. 28.
Neal’s body was found in the basement of a vacant house, the Detroit Free Press reported.
Officials haven’t confirmed whether he won the lottery or if a ticket was cashed in his name.
Neal’s granddaughter Lawanda Marshall
told WWJ-TV that Neal’s home was in disarray and a door was left ajar and that she was concerned about how many people knew he recently won the lottery.
“It bothers me greatly because I don’t think that’s the type of information that should have seeped out — if that was the case — especially that neighborhood in which he was staying,” Marshall said.
Neal’s 1998 Cadillac Deville also was missing.
A story about the lottery winner's death on WDIV-TV's website sparked numerous comments and speculation from readers.
“This is why it's foolish to publish the names of lottery winners. I would never want it to be known,” wrote one commenter.
“Detroit is filled with predators, the happiest day of this guy's life to death all for lottery money. Very sad,” another wrote.
“How sad that this happened to this man. I hope they find who did this and lock them up for life. Death penalty would be even better. Prayers for the family,” wrote another.
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