The Brief

PHOENIX - Police say they are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead on Monday near a Phoenix canal.

What we know:

The Phoenix Police Department says officers on Sept. 22 responded to the area of 36th and Portland Streets and found a body near the canal.

"Officers discovered the man was dead and in the beginning stages of decomposition with obvious signs of trauma," police said. "The area around the scene was secured, and detectives responded to investigate."

Investigators say they collected evidence, spoke to nearby residents and looked for surveillance video. The body was transferred to the medical examiner's office.

What we don't know:

The victim hasn't been identified and the cause of death is unknown.

What's next:

"Detectives await the findings

See Full Page