Saskatoon’s latest homicide victim has been identified by a friend as Billy Johnston. Johnston's friends said that he had a tough life but had a heart of gold and wanted to become a social worker. His Facebook page is filled with condolences.

Bill Delorme is a neighbour who lives at the Northwoods Inn and Suites. He says he knew Johnston.

“He was a nice guy. Quiet and never really bothered anybody,” said Delorme.

Johnston was found injured in the Northwoods Inn parking lot and was pronounced dead on Saturday morning.

Police say an altercation took place inside a motel room and continued in the parking lot. As a result a 44-year-old man was badly injured and died later in hospital. A witness, who does not want to be identified, says he saw 3 men confront another man, push him, and when the victim fell on the ground he was pounced on.

"It wasn't a punch. You would punch straight on. He was coming from the side. And he was sticking something in his head. That's what it looked like to me," said the witness.

Johnston was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, but pronounced dead just after 7 a.m.

"I didn't find out what happened until I got back, and yeah it was pretty sad," said Delorme.

Police do not believe it was a random act. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.