The slain man, identified by police as a 41-year-old Bidjara man* from Brisbane, died within minutes of the attack on Blyth Road in Murrumba Downs behind a 7-Eleven service station.

A 19-year-old woman who was with him at the time called triple zero and was uninjured but deeply distressed.

Police said the woman, believed to be a family friend, was taken to a police station to be cared for on Thursday morning and speak to investigators.

Detectives have identified a man they want to interview over the stabbing.

On Thursday night, family members of the slain man changed their social media profile photos to one of him during his time in the Australian Army.

"Gutted to hear whats happened! You were an awesome mate through our Army time together ... miss you buddy," a friend wrote on the man's Facebook page.

"Will never forget the stuff you did for me ... you always had my back," another wrote.

Another said the man was "taken way too soon" and "would never be forgotten".

The man had three children.

Regional Duty Officer Inspector Steve Flori said on Thursday that police were searching for the culprit, with the investigation in its very early stages.

Residents on Blyth Road told police they had heard screaming about 5.40am on Thursday, with their street later closed completely as homicide and forensic police worked.

The road was reopened about 7pm.

Police enlisted the help of SES crews to search the surrounding streets and bushland for the murder weapon or any other items of interest.

* Fairfax Media has not named the man with respect to his family's cultural beliefs.