AUGUSTA (AP) – The death of a 52-year-old Augusta man who was found dead inside his home has been ruled a homicide, police said Friday.

Michael Roderick was found Thursday night by a friend who had come to visit, said Maine State Police spokesman Stephen McCausland.

Detectives worked overnight at the house on Eastern Avenue, also known as Route 17, where Roderick lived alone. Roderick was a worm digger and had lived in the house since 1991, McCausland said.

The state medical examiner’s office ruled the death a homicide, but investigators haven’t released the cause of death.

Officials are asking for help from anyone who may have seen activity outside of Roderick’s home during the day Thursday.

The house is difficult to see from the road because it is located about a quarter mile back, McCausland said. But there is road construction work going on in front of the house, and police believe somebody might have seen something.

“We are asking motorists to give us a call regarding any cars going in and out of the driveway, or any people walking in and out,” McCausland said.