Investigators from the Madera County Sheriff's Department worked through the night Monday looking for clues to help them figure out what happened to Hugh Ward.
"Right now we have a missing persons case, but there are indications of foul play," said Madera County Sheriff John Anderson.
Hugh Ward was reported missing by his grandson Monday morning. Deputies say the house was ransacked. There was blood from the house to the driveway and the victim's car was missing.
Sheriff Anderson is suspicious, "That's right, there was just enough blood, and the house appeared to have been burglarized but that might have just been part of an effort to throw us off."
Also puzzling was the discovery of the victim's property, a laptop computer, jewelry and a wallet in a dumpster just a mile away. An indication perhaps the burglary was faked. The victim's grandson, who was recently paroled from prison, is being questioned.
"His grandson our detectives have taken him in for question. He is on parole from Corcoran State Prison. We may consider a parole hold on him, depending on what develops in this case," said Sheriff Anderson.
Neighbors describe Hugh Ward as a nice guy.
"He was a nice guy. Always pleasant, quiet," said Nora Fernandez, who lives just across the street.
Colleen Fisher is a high school student. She lives a couple of blocks away, but got to know Mr. Ward. "My bus stop was in front of his house. He always came out and talked, gave us cookies. He was nice. Really really nice."
Searchers have been through the neighborhood and surrounding orchards, but found no sign of Ward. His car, a sliver 2002 Toyota Camry is missing. The license number is 4YNN216.
Anyone with any information about Hugh Gerard Ward is asked to call the Madera County Sheriff's Department.