An 85-year-old Severn man was beaten to death sometime between last Wednesday night and Christmas Eve morning, Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith said.
He was found by a neighbor checking on his welfare last Thursday morning. The sheriff's office began an investigation around 10 a.m. Christmas Eve.
Smith declined comment on possible motive or whether a weapon was recovered.
In a statement on the matter Chief Deputy Daryl Harmon said Davis was found deceased inside his home in the 400 block of Main Street in Severn.
Harmon said in the statement the autopsy showed Davis's death was due to foul play and the case ruled as a homicide.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the sheriff's office at 252-534-2611 or Northampton Crime Stoppers at 252-534-1110.
All information will be kept confidential.