GOBLE, Ore. -- A small Oregon town was shaken by the murder of a retiree found dead at his home, the victim of “homicidal violence,” according to police.

Vernon McCullough, 62, lived alone in the 32000 block of Highland Road, between Rainier and Deer Island. Investigators told KGW they found McCullough's body Monday outside his home.

The Daily News described McCullough as a reclusive Vietnam veteran and retired grocery store employee.

Neighbors told KGW McMullough lived without water or electricity at the property.

The area is wooded amd rural, and neighbors were shocked by the news.

"It's scary, it's really scary," said neighbor Jessie Fletcher. "You hear about things like this happening in Portland and you think it'll never happen here."

Another neighbor, Roy Mendenhall, described the community as safe and quiet. "Everbody's neighborly. Nobody has any problems." After news of the murder, Mendenhall doesn't feel safe anymore.

"How scary is it? Scary enough that I pull my guns out of the closet," said Mendenhall.

Anyone with information that could help in the investigation was urged to call Oregon State Police Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.