Homicide probe launched after body found in Waikato

Police have identified the victim as 40-year-old Sao Young, of Hamilton. Photo / Supplied

Police in Hamilton have launched a homicide investigation after the body of a man was found.

The victim was found at a rural property in Horsham Downs on Monday, April 13.

Police have identified the victim as 40-year-old Sao Young, of Hamilton.

Jahmaine Turner told Stuff he could not believe the news and described Young, a father-of-three, as "good fella" even though he had run into a bit of trouble in the past.

"I lost my best friend, he had my back and I had his," Turner told Stuff.

"If he had stuffed up he could have reached out to us and we could have helped him."

Turner said Young was not the type to "get into that kind of trouble".

Authorities are working to establish the circumstances of his death.

"A forensic examination has been completed," a police spokesman said.

Police are now appealing to members of the public who may have seen Young in and around Hamilton between early last month and Monday.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 105 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.