BROWNSBURG, Ind. (WTHR) — Police are investigating a killing at a Hendricks County home.
The Hendricks County Sheriff's Office responded to the home on North CR 1000 East south of East CR 600 North near Brownsburg Wednesday evening. They were called about a burglary in progress.
Police arrived to find 61-year-old Dr. Dean Maar dead.
Investigators believe this was an attempted robbery at Dr. Maar's home.
Officers also said a small fire appeared to be intentionally set inside the home, but it was quickly put out by first responders.
The sheriff's department said the scene has been secured and there does not appear to be a threat to the public.
"I don't understand how this happened without someone knowing what was back there, because it doesn't jump out at you that there is something behind these woods," said Bob Taetsch, Dr. Maar's neighbor.
Taetsch said Dr. Maar moved in about 15 years ago.
"If he said he'll come and help you out, like I cut two trees down here, he brought his equipment over and ground them up. I didn't ask him to do it, he just come over here and did it. That's the kind of neighbor he was," said Taetsch.
Dr. Maar worked for OrthoIndy as an orthopedic surgeon. OrthoIndy released a statement to Eyewitness News on Thursday:
"Dr. Dean Maar has been a cornerstone of OrthoIndy as a previous board member and former Vice President and was instrumental to the development of our renowned trauma program. He will be remembered for his integrity in all aspects of his patient care and contributions to the practice." - Dr. Tim Dicke, president and CEO of OrthoIndy
We have already seen an outreach from patients of Dr. Maar.
“He just recently did my husband's hip surgery. He was such a caring man. He even cared about the family and questions they had. After my husband's surgery, he explained in detail about what was wrong and what he did to repair it. My husband is doing great," Dawn Stephens posted. "The other thing about Dr. Maar is in 2010 my husband dislocated his shoulder in a car wreck, Dr. Maar put it back in place, amazing knowledge and a perfectionist. I know he will be greatly missed be OrthoIndy and all his patients. Our prayers go out to them.”
Erica Sage writes: "I just saw him for my appointment yesterday after breaking my leg in September. He was always so sweet and patient, calming me down when I was nervous, and spoke to my mom after like he truly cared. I'm so shocked we were smiling and laughing at my appointment at 10:30 am, and he went home to this. My heart breaks for his family and work family."
Lecia Floyd writes: "I am heartbroken. Dr. Maar was my ankle surgeon after I had a very traumatic injury to it. He was such a kind, caring, quirky person who truly cared about his patients and their well-being. Dr. Maar will be missed."
Anyone with suspect information is asked to call the Hendricks County Sheriff's Department at (317) 745-9354 or Crime Stoppers at (317) 262- 8477 (TIPS).