A body found beneath a bush at Dunstan Reserve in Brunswick West on Monday morning by a passerby has been identified as Paul Costa.
The 43-year-old father of four from Coburg, was found wearing an expensive suit.
He was last seen alive by his father Alex who said that he was under the impression his son was well dressed for a date.
“We don’t know why he was wearing his suit and dress shoes,” the grieving father, who described his son as “very kind” told the Herald Sun.
“He was very private, we thought he had a date.”
Mr Costa was last seen on Sunday at around 9.00 pm when he left his home in Coburg driving his red 1999 Nissan Patrol with the registration PJJ 199, which has since been missing.
As homicide detectives continue their search into the case, they have released an image of the car in the hope that it will be found for further clues into the investigation.
Mr Costa’s heartbroken family say they have no idea why he was at the Reserve in Brunswick, and are pleading that anyone with information come forward.
“He would never hurt anyone, he was soft hearted, he didn’t deserve this,” said Paul’s sister Cathy.
“If there’s anyone who made contact with Paul on the Sunday, via phone or saw him, could they please contact Crime Stoppers so we can fill in the missing links.”
A relative who requested to remain anonymous, said that the incident had come as “a complete surprise and a total shock”.
“There was no indication or warning and we have no idea what’s happened,” they said.
“At this point, we’re just waiting to see what the police investigations uncover.”
A trail of blood was found running from the reserve’s car park to the location Mr Costa’s body was found. At this stage homicide detectives believe he was assaulted and died on Sunday after 4.00 pm, however it is yet unknown whether an autopsy has revealed the cause of death.
Anyone with any information on Paul Costa’s death is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au