State Police Investigate Fatal Attack At Belle Isle Marsh Reservation

BOSTON (CBS) – State Police are investigating after two men were attacked at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation in East Boston. One of the victims, an elderly man, died from his injuries.

Daniel Pepe's family is remembering the 83-year-old as a great guy, who was loved by friends and family.

"He was nice sociable guy and he talked to everybody and was good," Tony DiCicco, Pepe's brother-in-law said.

But his sudden death has his brother-in-law very concerned.

"He didn't bother no one," DiCicco said. "Who would want to do this to an 83-year-old guy? I couldn't believe it when I heard it."

State Police say Pepe was attacked at Belle Isle Marsh. They say he was found severely injured in the park on May 29 and died three days later. It was a spot his family says he went to regularly.

But on the very same day Pepe died, police tell us there was another incident in Belle Isle. This time a 67-year-old Lynn man was assaulted.

People who use this serene spot say they have never worried about safety here. "I'm just really shocked and surprised it would happen here," says Robert Selvey a regular at the reservation.

State Police are now patrolling the park, staying visible and keeping watch.

Pepe's family just hopes it leads to some answers.

The second man attacked has non-life threatening injuries and will be OK. He gave police this description of his attacker.

He described his attacked as a white male in his late 20s or 30s, approximately 5'9" tall. He was wearing a hat, t-shirt and shorts that were all beige or brown in color.

Pepe never regained consciousness to help police. He was laid to rest on Tuesday.