A man was found dead in a northeast Calgary home on Valentine's Day

Calgary police are asking for the public's help to learn more about the death of a man whose body was found on Valentine's Day.

Police were called to the 300 block of Grier Avenue Wednesday after a man was found dead inside a home.

After an autopsy Thursday, police identified the victim as Jose Miguel Gutierrez Polanco, 28, of Calgary.

Investigators have not released a cause of death, but have ruled it a homicide.

“We are asking anyone who knows Jose or who may have had recent contact with him to contact police. We believe Jose's last contact with his family was on Sunday, January 28, 2024,” a police press release said.

Polanco is described as 170 centimeters (5'7″) tall, approximately 72.5 kilograms (160 pounds), with long black hair.

Police told CTV News on Friday that Polanco's death was not related to organized crime, but that he may have known what he was doing.

Officials say there is no information on the suspect at this time.

Many residents who spoke to CTV News said they did not see police officers on Wednesday.

Serge Fortin, who lives in the building where Polanco was found dead, told CTV News he was in shock.

“The building I live in, like the next building, is very quiet.”

Another resident, Desiree Tuason Young, said everyone in her neighborhood was very friendly and the death was “terrifying”.

“It's definitely something we're a little cautious about,” he said.

One resident, who has only been living in the building for a month, says that when he was coming home from work, there was a large police presence.

“I was very upset. I didn't know what was going on here until just now,” said Carla Van Streaten, who said she had never seen the victim before.

Public information sought

Police are hoping to speak with anyone who saw suspicious activity near the home on Grier Avenue where Polanco's body was found.

“We are trying to gather any information about Jose's recent activities through tips and information from the public,” said Staff Sgt. Calgary Police Service Homicide Officer Shawn Gregson.

“Anyone who believes they have information about Jose is asked to contact police. Information, big or small, could have a significant impact on our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:

CALL: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APPLICATION: P3 tips