By Associated Press, 7/31/2003

BOSTON -- Boston police are investigating the apparent beating death of a man in the city's North End.

The victim, identified as 51-year-old Israel Vega, was found shortly after 4 a.m. at the corner of Salem and Stillman Streets by WHDH-TV news reporter Sean Hennessey, who was walking to work at the time. A large rock was found near the body.

Vega is a resident of the North End.

Police spokeswoman Mariellen Burns says the victim apparently suffered head trauma, but there was no indication that he had been robbed.

Burns says neighborhood residents who may have seen or heard anything in the early morning hours are urged to Boston police detectives.