Worker Found Dead at Ecorse Bar

ECORSE, Mich. - Police in Ecorse are searching for a cold-blooded killer. They say someone robbed a neighborhood bar and murdered an employee working the late-shift.

49-year-old Blase Smizynski was found bludgeoned to death in a pool of blood. The worker at the Little Joint Bar and Grill on Southfield was apparently working after hours when he was ambushed. Family members say he was beaten to death.

"Why would they want to kill him when you're cleaning and trying to do your job. ... I don't understand how anybody could be so mean," said Kathy Onufrak, the victim's aunt.

Whoever is responsible for the killing also ransacked the bar and stole money.

A witness saw the bar owner after the body was discovered. "I was walking my son, and the dude ran across the street talking about my dude got murdered," said Mike Henson.

Sources tell FOX 2 the owner just bought this establishment a few weeks ago and the victim lived in an apartment above the bar.

Police questioned Smizynski's roommate, who family members say has robbed the victim in the past. However, the roommate was later released. The State Police Crime Lab is helping with the investigation.

"I want them to catch whoever did it. That's the only thing," said James Downey.

Anyone with information that might help catch the killer should call Ecorse Police.