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Man found shot dead in Moon Lake yard

Authorities know little about the victim, but neighbors say that deputies know the house well.

By THOMAS LAKE
Published February 16, 2007

MOON LAKE - Gunfire sounded on Lake Drive about 1 a.m. Thursday. Some locals ignored it, given that random shots are common here, but this time a man fell.

Edward Neil Clark was found facedown on the ground outside the house at 10350 Lake Drive, a few feet from a tattered American flag. He was 41.

As many as seven people were at the house when the gun went off, authorities said. A black pickup was seen leaving soon thereafter. By the time sheriff's deputies arrived, only one witness remained.

Little was known about Clark on Thursday. Authorities said he had been staying at the house for a few weeks. He was last arrested in December, on a charge of petty theft.

The property owner, Joseph Anthony Crawley, 41, was wanted for questioning in the case, according to sheriff's spokesman Doug Tobin. Crawley was not considered a suspect, Tobin said.

Neighbors said the house was a den of suspicious activity.

"I see the cops in there all the time," said Leova Renninger, who lives a few houses down. "For years."

She and her husband, George, said the shooting is emblematic of prevailing lawlessness in these parts. Strips of carpet and masking tape covered a window shattered in a drive-by shooting.

Leova Renninger recently got rid of her curtains. This way she has a better view of the danger outside.

George Renninger rolled his eyes.

"Paradise," he said.

Times researcher Carolyn Edds contributed to this report.

[Last modified February 16, 2007, 00:10:26]