Rapper and Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood star Safaree Samuels is now grieving the loss of his uncle, found murdered in his home on Friday (August 25) shortly after 8 AM.
Reports say that the 64-year old Vincent Roper was found stabbed to death by a currently unknown assailant in his residence in Palmdale, California just a little over 60 miles outside of Los Angeles.
NBC4 Los Angeles reports that it was acquaintances of Roper, Marquisha and Anthony Kirklin, who say they went to the home after Roper failed to respond to several text messages.
“He’s a very clean guy,” Marquisha Kirklin told the local news outlet. “When I saw the disarray, I knew something was wrong.”
Family and friends say that Roper lived alone. A Jamaican-born craftsman, he made his living in the flooring business and was described as a generous being, loved by many, including the now heartbroken Samuels.
"He's not a problematic person," said the reality TV star. "He's just, you know, a working man. I don't know who could have done this. He doesn't have any enemies. He's not that kind of person."
The death is currently being investigated as a homicide according to Sheriff’s Lt. Joe Mendoza, although a suspect is yet be indentified.
While Safaree addressed the tragic situation on Twitter, he also took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt tribute to his late uncle, and encouraged anyone with any information to speak up.
“You were always so proud of me and proud I was your nephew… I’m Numb right now.. I’m only doing this because I want to bring awareness to some1 killing my uncle vern Vincent Roper and getting them caught,” he penned on the app. “Palmdale California isn’t that big of a place so I know someone knows what happened and you will be caught. Can’t remember the last time I felt pain like this. Can’t stop crying.. everything I do is gonna be for you.”
As the investigation is ongoing, the Palmdale Sheriff’s Office is looking for anyone with information that could lead to catching Roper's killer to call at 661-272-2400.