Alberta decapitation victim a quiet man, family says

The family of a man whose head was found in an alley in north Edmonton this week says they’re at a loss as to what could have led up to the gruesome homicide.

"[He was a] soft spoken person. Never said much, never argued much," said a relative of Robert Roth, who did not want his name published over fears for his safety.

"I want some answers...Who wouldn't want answers...I just don't understand."

Roth’s body was found in a ditch near Ranfurly, Alta., about 140 kilometres outside of Edmonton Saturday.

On Wednesday, the man’s head was found in a garbage bag in a residential area.

Roth’s relative tells CBC News the victim lived in the Lloydminster area, where he worked manual labour. He had previously been a truck driver.

The family is shocked by the killing and aren’t sure what could have led up to the decapitation.

"It is disgusting that anyone would ever do that to a human being. I don't know. It's just beyond belief."

Police say the homicide was not a random act and have refused to say whether the killing was related to drugs or gangs — a suggestion that the family finds unlikely.

"He was a good person. Some people say it might be drug and gang related, but I never knew him in either because he was actually a quiet fella," the relative said.

"That's all speculation as far as I'm concerned."

Police will not say if they have any suspects in custody.