BREWERTON, N.Y. -- Oneida Shores, what's usually a place to lie on the beach, became the scene of a homicide on the Fourth of July.

"I was surprised, definitely," said Juliana Heldt, an Oneida Shores Park visitor.

Wednesday night, New York State University Police at Upstate Hospital were alerted to a man unconscious in a vehicle. It was parked outside the emergency room. 

26-year-old Maurice Crawford of Syracuse was pronounced dead at the hospital. 

Police learned the victim had been stabbed during a fight at the McKinnley Ridge West Pavilion. He was there for a holiday gathering.

Thursday, the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office continued their investigation at the park. Entrances to the pavilion area were blocked off while deputies surveyed the crime scene. 

Many people nearby were unaware of what happened. People we spoke with were concerned about the park. 

"You know you want to be safe. Maybe they have to get like more security over in these kinds of locations...unfortunately. Especially with people drinking and stuff, it can get out of control sometimes," said Heldt.

For now deputies are still trying to develop possible suspects.