MADISON, Wis. -- A community meeting is happening Wednesday night to answer questions and allay concerns in the wake of a stabbing death on Madison's south side earlier this week.

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The death has some neighbors questioning their safety, WISC-TV reported.

Police said that the investigation is continuing after a 31-year-old Madison area man was found unresponsive in an alley just off the 700 block of South Park Street, near West Shore Drive, on Monday afternoon. The man, identified as neighborhood resident Joel Marino, was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities said that they are treating Marino's death as a homicide.

In a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Dane County Coroner John Stanley said it appeared Marino died from a stabbing.

"We've determined that Mr. Marino died of multiple penetrating wounds from a sharp instrument," Stanley said.

Stanley declined to identify what kind of object caused Marino's injuries. Police said it's possible that the stabbing took place inside Marino's home, and that he attempted to make his way across the street to nearby St. Mary's Hospital to get help.

Authorities said at this point, they can't determine what prompted the attack.

"At this point, we cannot rule out that this was not a random act. We cannot rule out that this was a random act," said Assistant Police Chief Randy Gaber.

That news has concerned some residents, who said it's a popular area for walking, biking and jogging along Monona Bay.

Diana McCaughey, who lives next to Marino's home, said he was a "nice young man." She said neighbors are concerned about the fact that this crime could be completely random.

"It's kind of scary," McCaughey said. "I asked the policeman last night, 'Do I have to be afraid?' And he said, 'Just take your precautions like you always do (and) keep your doors locked.'"

Alderwoman Julie Kerr, who represents the district where Marino was found, echoed the uncertainty she has heard from residents.

"I think people are very concerned," Kerr said. "I think most people consider this to be a fairly safe neighborhood, and obviously when something like this happens anywhere in our city, people are very concerned."

Police said there have been no recent problems in the neighborhood. They said there were a few burglaries but nothing out of the ordinary. Police said that it is usually a safe area.

To address neighborhood concerns, a meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday at St. Mary's Hospital. The meeting will be an open forum for neighborhood residents, businesses, police and alders, WISC-TV reported.

Meanwhile, authorities said that a person of interest is being sought in connection to the victim's death. The man, who was seen in the area at the time, is described as 6 feet to 6 feet 1 inch tall. He was last seen wearing a white stocking cap with a red "W" on the front and a tan, sheepskin-type jacket and was carrying a gray backpack, which appeared to be new. The man's race is unknown.

Police said that anyone with information on this case is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.

Investigators working on the homicide said Wednesday that they have recovered a hat and backpack that they believe were worn by the person of interest they are searching for.

Police said both items were recovered during a search of the neighborhood on the day of the slaying. Investigators said that items, including the hat and backpack, are being taken to the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory for forensic tests.

The death is Dane County's first homicide of the year. The county had eight last year

Marino worked for a medical supply company. Marino had fought against plans to run a storm sewer into Lake Monona. A lawsuit that he filed against the city and the state Department of Natural Resources remains pending in Dane County Circuit Court after his death.

Marino's family, friends, and co-workers have set up a reward fund through McFarland State Bank. Checks can be made payable to "The Joel Marino Reward Fund." The bank's address is:

5990 Hwy 51
Box 7
McFarland, WI 53558