Lexington police are investigating the death of local business owner Charles Sowers as a homicide, Lt. J.J. Lombardi said.

Sowers was found lying at the bottom of stairs in his home, 1946 Augusta Drive, on Wednesday night. After an autopsy Thursday, the state medical examiner's office ruled that blunt-force trauma consistent with an assault caused his death.

Employees of Sowers went to the house to check on him after he didn't come to work at his business, Charlie's Restaurant and Lounge, police Lt. Ron Compton said.

Phil Sowers of Richmond, brother of the victim, said Charles Sowers' billfold and money were missing.

Rescue workers took Sowers to the University of Kentucky Hospital, where he died at 1:30 a.m. Thursday.

An autopsy was performed on Thursday.

There were no signs of forced entry at the home, Compton said.

Charlie's Restaurant and Lounge was closed on Thursday night.