Community Mourns As Towson Professor ID'd In Fatal Leakin Park Stabbing

BALTIMORE, MD — Authorities identified John Dierker, a music professor and decorated musician, as the bicyclist who was found fatally stabbed Tuesday in Gwynn Falls/Leakin Park.

Dierker was found lying on the ground next to a bicycle in the 4500 block of North Franklintown Road, near the Winans Meadow trailhead.

The Baltimore Police Department said the 62-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, having suffered multiple stab wounds.

Dierker was a longtime adjunct professor at Towson University and a staple within Baltimore's music scene.

His death has left many in the community stunned.

"One of the things that’s so hard about all this is that it was a beautiful day and I know he just wanted to get out and ride his bike in the park," Dave Ballou, a fellow musician and friend, told The Baltimore Sun.

"To have this happen so randomly — I can’t even find the words. It’s beyond devastating."

A GoFundMe campaign was launched earlier this week to help cover funeral expenses for Dierker's family. As of this article's publication, the fundraiser has collected more than $107,000.

A candlelight vigil will be held Friday at 7 p.m. at Dickey Memorial Presbyterian, 5112 Wetheredsville Road, in Baltimore.

Authorities say police patrols will increase along Leakin Park. The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information tied to the incident is urged to contact investigators at (410) 396-2100. Tips can also be filed anonymously with Metro Crime Stoppers at (866)-756-2587.