A former Topeka jeweler whose body was discovered last Friday at his rural northwest Douglas County home was the victim of a homicide, the Douglas County Sheriff’s office said this afternoon.

In a five-paragraph statement released this afternoon to the news media, the sheriff’s office said the death of Clarence David Boose, 77, has been ruled a homicide.

“An autopsy was completed on April 30, 2005 (Saturday), and the death has been ruled a homicide,” according to the statement. “No details about the scene or the cause of death will be released at this time.”

After being unable to contact Boose, an acquaintance went out Friday to his home at 194 N 2190 Road in Lecompton, found his body and called the sheriff’s office.

Boose had previously owned and operated David’s Jewelry in Topeka.

Anyone with information that might be helpful to investigators is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 785-832-5201 or Crime Stoppers at 785-843-TIPS. Crime Stoppers callers may remain anonymous and might be eligible for a reward if information leads to an arrest.