Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Questions remain in Menlo Park man's death

by Sandy Brundage

Menlo Park businessman and resident Lawrence Cronin, 67, was stabbed during a robbery attempt in March. His family said the San Mateo County coroner told them it had been ruled a homicide. However, Menlo Park police issued a press release saying the coroner's report concluded the manner of death is "undetermined."

Two men attacked Mr. Cronin as he stepped outside his insurance brokerage at 1100 Alma St. around 9:45 p.m. on March 26, police said. He was reported in stable condition following treatment for multiple stab wounds at a local hospital.

The assailants were both described as Hispanic and about 5-foot-8-inches tall, with short hair and thin builds. Investigators released a sketch of one suspect.

Mr. Cronin died on May 30. An immediate relative said that the coroner informed the family on June 27 that the cause of death was determined to be homicide. The coroner's office declined to discuss the case with the Almanac.

His family held a funeral service on June 5 at Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park, followed by a reception at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton. Mr. Cronin enjoyed playing basketball as well as spending time with loved ones, according to long-time friend Doug Lawrence.

The investigation remains ongoing, according to police, who had no explanation as to why the family had different information regarding the coroner's report.