Police investigating motorcycle crash on New Year's Day as a homicide

Police will not say how the man was killed. Family, friends, and neighbors all want to know what exactly happened here that led to his death.

On Sunday around 5 p.m., officers with the Raleigh Police Department responded to motorcycle crash in the 6100 block of Bayberry Lane.

On Wednesday, days after the crash, an ever-growing memorial of flowers was visible from the road.

Investigators said a man was thrown from his motorcycle. He was transported to the hospital but died from his injuries.

The name of the motorcyclist and details about the criminals nature of the crash were not shared, although neighbors told WRAL News they believe the man was attacked.

Police could not confirm that information; however, one neighbor says she was in the front yard with her daughter when it happened.

"A couple seconds later we heard what we thought was gunfire," said Clare Hedemark.

She describes hearing a series of 'pops' she says sounded like gunfire.

"I turned to my daughter. There was a pause in the gunfire, and I said, 'Were those fireworks or gunfire?' she recalls.

Before she could finish her sentence, she says more 'pop pop pop pop' interrupted her.

Hedemark says she immediately rushed inside.

She says the crime scene blocked the roadway for over 12 hours while forensics collected evidence. She also told WRAL News that detectives went door to door asking if anyone saw anything for if home security video caught the incident on camera.

“I just hope they catch whoever did it," she said.

Raleigh police say this was not a random act and there is no threat to the public.

Anyone who believes they may have information that might assist the investigation is asked to visit Crime Stoppers at www.p3tips.com/897 for anonymous reporting options or call 919-996-1193.

Raleigh police tell me this was not a random act and there is no threat to the public.

The investigation is ongoing.