PHOENIX -- Patrolling security officers found a body in an empty parking lot at 926 E. McDowell Road early Saturday morning, Phoenix police said.

Investigators said they have classified the case as a homicide.

The 48-year-old victim was a known transient in the area, said Sgt. Andy Hill of the Phoenix Police Department.

The victim's family members live out of state and investigators have not yet been able to contact them, Hill said.

Homicide investigators are looking for people with knowledge of the incident.

People with information about the case are asked to call Phoenix Police at 602-262-6141 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.