EDMONTON -- Wetaskiwin RCMP is calling the death of a 45-year-old man killed outside a home near Pigeon Lake suspicious.

Police found a body lying near the home on the rural acreage minutes after midnight yesterday morning. The RCMP's serious crime unit has been called in to help investigate, as well as the forensic identification section out of Red Deer. The man's name will not be released until family is notified.

Staff-Sgt. Darrel Bruno said police had a history of dealings at the home, but had not visited recently. An autopsy in Edmonton is set for later this week.

Garry Dearing, reeve of Wetaskiwin County and councillor for the area, including the scene, said residents are waiting to see if the suspicious death is called a homicide.

He said there has been little talk in the community about the death.