Parker – A body was found in a wooded lot between a water park and a senior citizen center Saturday morning, police said.
The body, believed to be that of a male in his late teens or early 20s, was discovered about 9:30 a.m. by a man walking his dog, Parker police spokeswoman Kena Peterson said.
The name of the victim was not known.
The lot area is off South Parker Road and Mainstreet, near O’Brien Park.
Brandy Powell, who lives nearby, said the field is known to be a popular hangout for marijuana smokers.
“Most of the kids who hang out there are stoners,” the 17-year-old said. “But it’s nothing where anyone would overdose on anything serious.”
Police have not determined the cause of death and have not yet ruled out homicide.
“We have not detected any physical signs of trauma on the body,” Parker police Capt. Ron Combs said.
Area residents said crime is unusual in the neighborhood.
“This is a pretty quiet neighborhood and it never gets crazy around here,” said Chad Bell, who lives in the Town and Country Townhomes directly behind the lot.
“I’d definitely say this is eerie,” Bell said.
Candi Evans said she often walks her dog in the wooded area and sees children playing there. “I’m really shocked that something like this could happen so close to our house,” she said.
Staff writer Daarel Burnette II can be reached at 303-820-1747 or dburnette@denverpost.com.