YOUNGSTOWN — City police are investigating the death of a 34-year-old man found on the side of the road at Liberty Road and Wardle Avenue on the East Side today as a homicide.

A motorist notified police at 6:28 a.m. today after seeing the body. Officers responded to the scene and began a preliminary investigation. Soon after, Youngstown police detectives, crime scene investigators and the coroner’s office arrived to continue the investigation, according to a Youngstown Police news release.

No additional information was available for release, the release states. No arrest was made in the case.

If this death is determined to be a homicide it will be No. 15 for the year, 16 if the officer involved June 13 killing is counted. On June 13, a Youngstown police shot and killed Mathue O’Malley, 27, in the 100 block of South Maryland Ave.

The city had 22 homicides in 2023.

The last homicide before today’s was the July 11 killing of Jermaine Tillis, 51, who was found shot to death July 11 on Judson Avenue on the South Side.

Youngstown police stated that they were sent to Judson Avenue at 5:04 a.m. and found the male in the driveway of a home. He was deceased when officers arrived.

Tips leading to an arrest and/or prosecution are eligible for a monetary reward, the release states. Tipsters are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 330-746-2583 with tips or information, which can be left anonymously.