A family member of a Toronto man who was found brutally murdered last week issued a plea for tips Wednesday as homicide detectives continue to investigate the unsolved slaying.

At a news conference alongside police, George Fawell's aunt urged people to divulge information to investigators so his killer or killers can be brought to justice.

"I know my community and I know that someone heard or saw something, and I’m begging you to please come forward to help us and help George rest peacefully," Deanna Parlee told reporters.

Her 24-year-old nephew, who affectionately called her "Mom," was found dead along railroad tracks behind the Jimmie Simpson Community Centre on Queen Street East, east of Broadview Avenue, last Friday.

Parlee said her nephew, who celebrated his 24th birthday a week before he was slain, spent his entire life in the neighbourhood and was well-known by residents.

She last saw her nephew - the oldest of six children - the day before he was found dead, when he stopped by to ask her if she needed anything from the store.

“George was a human being. No one deserves to be dumped like garbage,” Parlee said.

She said he lived in an apartment with his girlfriend and was unemployed, but recently qualified for disability payments.

“He was someone who lived with challenges and was overcoming them to become a productive member of the community, she said.

Police reveal disturbing details of attack

At Wednesday's news conference, homicide squad Det.-Sgt. Gary Giroux revealed disturbing details about the brutality of the homicide.

Giroux said an autopsy confirmed Fawell died as a result of stab wounds to the chest and "chopping" wounds to the neck and head, and he was likely attacked by multiple people who used two different weapons.

The injuries were so extensive it took about 12 hours to complete an autopsy, Giroux said.

Fawell's hands were tied behind his back when his body was found, a source previously told CP24.

Giroux said the "sustained" and lengthy attack on Fawell's body likely continued after he died.

Calling it one of the worst "sharp-force injury homicides" he has seen in his career, Giroux said the "emotionally-driven" attack was likely personal in nature as it involved a great deal of anger, rage and brutality.

"It is entirely over-the-top personal," Giroux said.

Police believe Fawell knew his killer or killers, and those people likely live in the neighbourhood where he lived and was slain.

So, too, do people who likely have information about the suspect or suspects, said Giroux, who urged those people to call investigators or risk facing charges if they are found to be aiding or abetting.

Giroux said police believe Fawell was killed near the spot where his body was found by community outreach workers from the Salvation Army, who were checking on homeless people known to frequent the area along the GO train tracks.

He said Fawell was last seen last Thursday at about 9 p.m. near his home, which is not far from the site where he was found.

Fawell, the city's 34th homicide victim of 2012, had no gang affiliations and a "dated" criminal history that police don't believe was a factor in his death, Giroux said.

Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call Giroux at 416−808−7387 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477).

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