Advocates say there's nothing to suggest the suspected homicide of a well-known member of the city's gay community was targeted.

The body of Demetrious Karahalios was found Saturday inside a bungalow at 10236 120 St. Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation and an autopsy had not yet been completed Monday afternoon.

Karahalios was known to most people as Jimmy, but more commonly as his drag name, Coco.

Karahalios worked as a cook at Woody's Video Bar, a pub that caters to members of the Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender (LGBT) community.

The pub has shut down temporarily while staff grapple with Karahalios' death.

Kristopher Wells, a University of Alberta researcher and member of the Sexual Minorities Liaison Committee which is working to help homicide detectives on this case, says it appears this case was not spurred by hate.

"It appears that it's not the case (here). Anytime there is a death of a member of the LGBT community, people ask if it's hate motivated," he said. "It's a question to be expected and one that is carefully investigated."

It's the second death of a LGBT community member in the past few months.

Thirty-five-year-old Jon Syah Ribut, a sex trade worker from Indonesia, was found slain in a room at the Aladdin Motel near 154 Street and 111 Avenue on Nov. 24.

Friends took to social media to mourn Karahalios.

"You were always the first to greet me and make me feel welcome, especially in my earlier days of coming out," wrote friend Claire Pearen.

"You were kind, a smile that wouldn't quit, funny and had a unique way of making a girl feel like she had a place in this world. You will be missed, sugar."

Friends are planning a candlelight vigil for Tuesday night outside Karahalios' home, where his body was found.

Flowers and cards now sit just outside of the home.

A picture shows him in full drag, wearing a beauty-queen sized crown, and a black sparkley dress.

Mourners are invited to bring stuffed animals, flowers, and candles for the vigil, which starts at 7 p.m. at the 10236 120 St. home.

allison.salz@sunmedia.ca

@SUNAllisonSalz