Death of N. Phila. man called homicide

A 60-year-old man found dead in his North Philadelphia home Sunday had been shot in the head, police said yesterday.

The death of Juan Pablo Mercado Vives of the 2800 block of Hope Street was ruled a homicide after a postmortem examination, police said. Vives was found bleeding from the head on Sunday, but police were not sure what caused the wound.

Homicide Sgt. Ron McClane said detectives were in the neighborhood yesterday seeking possible witnesses and a motive for the slaying. - Joseph A. Gambardello