Cumberland authorities seek leads in veteran's death

Cumberland County deputies on Thursday canvassed a Spring Lake neighborhood and passed out fliers in an effort to generate leads in the slaying of a veteran two weeks ago.

A family member went to check on Angel Santiago Delacruz, 83, at his home at 201 Rose St., on Jan. 2 and found him dead in his bedroom, authorities said. An autopsy determined that he died of asphyxiation.

Investigators said they believe robbery was the motive for the slaying because a few hundred dollars in cash was missing from the home.

"We rely on the community. We rely on a lot of things. We rely on forensic evidence. There is not just one thing that solves a crime. What solves a homicide is community involvement," Sgt. J.T. Brown of the sheriff's office said.

Born in Puerto Rico, Delacruz was drafted during the Korean War and served two tours of duty in Vietnam.