A runner found a man's body just off the path in a quiet Germantown neighborhood Friday morning, leaving investigators searching for answers in Seneca Stream Valley Park near Middlebrook Road and Mid-county Highway.

About 7:30 a.m., a jog down a familiar trail ended in a horrifying discovery. Just off the path, a man spotted a body, blood covering the head indicating a severe wound. Authorities said the person or persons who inflicted the injury did little to conceal the victim.

"This is a well traveled area and as someone would come around they could see someone lying here," Officer Melanie Hadley with Montgomery County (web|news) Police said.

Officers stood guard to turn away other joggers while investigators combed the path and surrounding area for clues. At the same time, the medical examiner tried to determine the exact cause of death.

Seneca Stream Valley Park is popular with the adults and children who live in that part of Germantown. "We just a cycle though it, walk through, nothing serious happened. Never seen anything," Germantown resident Sammy Haddad said.

The victim was a black male in his early twenties. He was dressed casually, but investigators doubt he'd come here to hike or jog.

A murder so close to home and her daily route disturbs Lorraine Coles. "It does it does um, I don't know what to make of it. I'm hoping it's just a random incident."

Until her neighbors and she learn more about what happened, Coles will be on guard. "I'm glad I have my doberman. I walk all the time everyday."

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