Blackwood Manor remains on lockdown following a violent incident early this morning that has left the sprawling estate reeling and authorities scrambling for answers. A crimson-stained bathtub, shattered porcelain fragments, and a lingering metallic scent are the only visible evidence of what appears to be a targeted attack, sparking widespread speculation and triggering a full-scale investigation.

Initial reports indicate that Mr. Silas Blackwood, the estate’s reclusive owner and prominent antiquarian, was discovered deceased in his master bathroom shortly after 6:00 AM. Preliminary forensic analysis confirms the cause of death as blunt force trauma, with the shattered remains of a Victorian-era claw-footed bathtub serving as the primary weapon. The scene is being treated as a homicide, though investigators are hesitant to rule out other possibilities at this early stage.

“It was…horrific,” stated Mrs. Eleanor Ainsworth, the Blackwood’s long-serving housekeeper, visibly shaken. “I found him. Just…gone. The water was still running, and the tub…it was just a mess. A terrible, terrible mess.” Mrs. Ainsworth, a fixture at the estate for over thirty years, described Mr. Blackwood as a man of peculiar habits and a collector of unsettling artifacts.

The circumstances surrounding Mr. Blackwood’s death are particularly troubling given the recent string of strange occurrences at Blackwood Manor. Residents of the nearby village of Hollow Creek have reported unsettling noises, flickering lights, and a general sense of unease for weeks. Local historian, Mr. Barnaby Croft, a frequent visitor to the estate, offered a chilling observation: “Silas Blackwood was obsessed with unlocking the secrets of the past. He believed certain objects held…power. It’s possible he stumbled upon something he shouldn’t have.”

Adding to the mystery is the discovery of a single, intricately carved obsidian dagger near the body. Authorities are currently examining the dagger for fingerprints and attempting to trace its origins. The investigation is being led by Detective Inspector Davies of the Blackwood County Police Department, who has assembled a team of specialists to analyze the scene and interview potential witnesses.

“We’re treating this as a priority case,” Davies stated during a brief press conference this afternoon. “The scene is complex, and we’re working to piece together a timeline of events. We urge the public to remain calm while we conduct our inquiries.” The fate of Blackwood Manor, and the secrets it concealed, now hangs in the balance.