A man found dead in his Phillip unit had suffered ''significant head injuries'', police have revealed.
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Authorities have also confirmed the elderly man, Miodrag Gajic, was previously known to them, after neighbours said on Thursday they strongly believed he was dealing cannabis out of the Mansfield Place apartment complex.
Police are still investigating the murder of Mr Gajic, known to neighbours as Michael and Mick, after friends found his body in the unit on New Year's Day.
An autopsy was conducted on Friday, which allowed police to formally release the identity of the victim, and detectives have urged any witnesses to come forward.
Mr Gajic, 71, is thought to have had family, with at least four children in 1986, according to historical news reports of his court proceedings.
At the time, he was reported to have been married for 20 years, and had been employed as a butcher.
But Mr Gajic suffered injuries during his work, which left him unemployed and unable to continue in the trade, the reports state.
Residents reported hearing terrible screams as the grim discovery of his body was made on Wednesday.
Police have not yet revealed whether they believe a weapon was used in the murder.
They also say they are still determining whether anything was stolen or missing from the unit, but said it would form part of their investigation.
One neighbour, Daniel Alarcon, said he knew of two previous attacks on Mr Gajic's unit.
He claimed to know of an incident about a year ago in which two men broke into the flat late at night, but were chased out by Mr Gajic, who was armed.
Mr Alarcon said a brick was also thrown through the window of the same unit about three to four years ago.
Criminal Investigations detectives are continuing to investigate the homicide.
They wish to speak with anyone who may have information on the matter, saying they can do so anonymously.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.