Police are investigating the alleged murder of a man whose body was found in an open lot on Kenwood Street off Mount Royal Avenue Sunday afternoon.

The deceased man, whom family members on the scene identified as 55-year-old Gregory Sands, was found just before noon at the rear of the open lot.

Head of the Central Detective Unit (CDU) Superintendent Paul Rolle said police were still uncertain as to the cause of death, but noted that the man appeared to have suffered blunt force trauma to the head believed to be from a rock.

“At this stage of the game, we really don’t know what has happened and we have no idea with regards to a suspect in this incident so we continue to appeal to members of the public with information in regards to this latest homicide to let us know,” said Superintendent Rolle.

Kevin Sands, the brother of the deceased, said he and his family were still in shock and trying to come to terms with what had happened.

Mr. Sands said he last spoke to his brother on Friday afternoon and he said at the time his brother appeared to be in good spirits.

“I really don’t know why anyone would want to do this to him,” Mr. Sands said. “He was not a troublesome person at all.”

The victim’s family said the lot where Sands’ body was found has belonged to them for years and they said that the deceased, who worked at Virgo Car Rental, often hung out there.

A representative from Virgo Car Rental described Sands as nice and easy going and she said he always showed up to work and completed his tasks.

The representative confirmed that Sands was last seen at work Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Sands’ siblings are left to grapple with another loss just months after losing their mother.

“My brother would call me every night just to tell me he loved me,” said Lisa Sands, the sister of the deceased. “He called us every day just to check on us.”

If classified a murder, Sands’ death would mark the 95th murder for the year.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact them at 911, 919; the Central Detective Unit (CDU) 501-9999 or 501-9910, Crimestoppers at 328-TIPS or the nearest police station.