The on-going Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office investigation into the death of a Kingston man has been re-classified from a suspicious death to a homicide after an autopsy was performed by the county’s forensic pathologist Friday, according to a statement released by the sheriff’s department.

The Kitsap County Coroner has identified the victim as Richard Hugh Jones Jr., 74. The victim’s immediate next-of-kin, located out-of-state, have been notified.

He was found the evening of July 30 inside a residence in the 27700 block of Resource Ridge Avenue NE after neighbors called 911 to report the occupant of the house had not been seen for several days.

Responding patrol deputies entered the house and found the man. No other people were found on the premises. Deputies secured the scene and notified detectives.

The Kitsap County Coroner determined the cause of death was due to homicidal violence, with an approximate date of death narrowed to the weekend of July 26-27, according to the statement.

Specific details concerning any injuries to the victim have not been made available.

Sheriff’s detectives are continuing to investigate and interviewing persons associated with the victim.

Anyone with information about Jones is asked to contact Detective Lori Blankenship at (360) 337-5615, or Detective Steve Duckworth at (360) 337-5669.

Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at (800) 222-TIPS.