KC police identify man killed at homeless camp

Kansas City police today identified a 52-year-old homeless man beaten to death Saturday night at his camp as Joe Loehr.

One of Loehr’s friends from the homeless camp called police about 9:45 p.m. to the wooded area near Front Street and North Kansas Avenue. Police found Loehr in the open area of the elaborate camp with severe facial injuries. Police arrested his friend and were investigating whether he beat Loehr in a rage over a dispute involving a woman.

The friend would not discuss Loehr’s death with detectives. Police recovered evidence from the friend and from the camp and were awaiting test results. Police also were looking for any witnesses.

Investigators released the friend, pending further investigation, but said he remains a person of interest.