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.

'It is disgusting that anyone would ever do that to a human being'—Relative of Robert Roth

"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.