ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — Authorities are tightlipped about the death of a Roanoke Rapids businessman who was found Thursday afternoon dead, apparently from a gunshot wound in the head.

Police have confirmed that 69-year-old Shelby Salmon, the owner of Salmon Investments, was found around noon by his wife, who had become concerned when he didn't come home for lunch.

Shortly after 4 p.m., crime scene investigators with the State Bureau of Investigation arrived at the scene at

1135 Roanoke Ave.

"At this point, we're just in the early stages of our investigation," said Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Greg Lawson. "We're just trying to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, to see what happened and who might possibly be involved."

Lawson said that Salmon was well-liked and highly respected in Roanoke Rapids. So far, a motive remains a mystery.

Edith Crabtree and her husband lived near the crime scene. Like many in the community, she had experience with Salmon's kindness.

"As far as I know, he's been a nice person," said Crabtree. "I don't know why stuff like this happens."

So far, police have some leads but no suspects.

Salmon's family told WRAL that he was a loving and kind man, and he was described as "having never met a stranger."

"It's just a tragedy," said Lawson.

Salmon is survived by his wife and two sons.