Clearlake Police identify homicide victim, ask for public's assistance on case

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department said Wednesday that a man whose body was found in his home earlier this month was the victim of a homicide.

Sgt. Nick Bennett said police believe that 76-year-old Clearlake resident John Kasler was killed during a home invasion burglary.

Shortly after 3 p.m. April 16 Det. Travis Lenz was conducting a followup investigation in the 3900 Block of Laddell Avenue in Clearlake when he discovered a door to the residence had been forced opened, Bennett said.

Checking the residence, Lenz located a deceased male inside who appeared to have expired under suspicious circumstances, according to Bennett's report.

Bennett said that further investigation into the incident showed that Kasler was the victim of a homicide.

The cause of Kasler's death was determined to be the result of a violent physical attack committed during a home invasion burglary, Bennett said.

Anyone with any information on this incident is encouraged to contact Det. Ryan Peterson at 707-994-8251, Extension 320.