Edmonton police were scouring the scene for clues at a west-end synagogue after a man's body was discovered Thursday morning.
Police said around 8:45 a.m., they were contacted by the staff of the Beth Israel Synagogue on Wolf Willow Road after an adult male was found near the building.
"The death is being treated as suspicious at this time," said Staff Sergeant Lorne Pubantz with Edmonton police. "It is too early in the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the death."
One witness told CTV News vagrants often frequent a wooded area located behind the parking lot where the body was found.
"It's kind of shocking. I don't know what happened but I'm sure the rest of the neighbourhood will be distressed," said Kathy DaSilva.
One neighbour said he walks his dogs past the synagogue every morning and hasn't noticed anything suspicious in the area before.
"It's a pretty quiet and a pretty nice neighbourhood probably one of the nicer ones in Edmonton, in my opinion," said Sonny Crowley.
Police plan to stay at the scene throughout most of Thursday to continue to look for more evidence. An autopsy is currently being scheduled.
"We'll likely know more when autopsy is done," said Edmonton police spokesperson Karen Carlson.
If anyone saw suspicious activity in the area over the past few days, they are asked to contact police on the non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
