Philadelphia police are seeking a light-skinned man in his mid-20s wearing a red quilted vest as a person of interest in relation to a psychiatrist found dead in a Gayborhood hotel Monday.
A housekeeper at Rodeway Inn discovered the body of Dr. Howard Baker, 75, of Lower Merion Township, around 11 a.m. Dec. 21. She found him naked on the floor with a belt wrapped tightly around his neck.
The cause of death was ruled strangulation, according to Officer Leeloni Palmiero, a Philadelphia police spokeswoman.
“It’s being looked at as a homicide for sure,” she said.
Investigating officers determined Baker checked into the hotel on the afternoon of Dec. 20. In the evening, two males visited Baker’s room separately. The second person was seen leaving the room just after midnight Dec. 21 with Baker’s wallet and backpack, according to authorities.
“They need to get in contact with this second person to find out what their relationship was,” Palmiero said, noting officials had not yet discussed whether a romantic relationship was involved.
Baker’s office in the 1400 block of Walnut Street stands two blocks from the hotel, at which he frequently stayed. He also had a practice in Montgomery County.
Police ask anyone with information to call 215-686-3334.