ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — An Ithaca man is dead, and police have begun investigating a homicide.

Authorities say 45-year-old Ernest Lankford was found dead early Thursday morning in the area of North Plain and West Seneca Streets. Officers were initially called to the scene around 3:45 this morning for reports of gunfire.

The Ithaca Police Department does not believe this was a random act of violence.