NATCHEZ — Natchez police investigators are seeking information regarding the death of a homeless man who was apparently shot in the back on Gaile Avenue Wednesday morning.

Capt. Scott Frye said Mitchell Brooks, 54, who was homeless and known to locals as The Guitar Man, died of a single gunshot to the back.

Frye said Brooks was known as the guitar man, because he carried an acoustic guitar case around with him.

“We believe there was some kind of encounter with him,” Frye said. “This was not random. Based on information from investigations we know this was not random.”

Frye said officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and found Brooks lying near the curb. Frye said police immediately called for emergency assistance and the man was taken to Merit Health Natchez.

“He was sent to the hospital, and it later appeared he was shot in the back one time,” Frye said. “He was pronounced dead at the hospital.”

Frye said police are requesting the public’s help in the case.

“We don’t have any suspects at this time. We need the public’s help,” Frye said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 601-445-7542 or call Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.