Police identify man found dead in Alexandria playground

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Police have identified the victim of a shocking murder in a quiet Alexandria community.

Jose Luis Ferman Perez, 24, was discovered at a playground in Beverly Park on Monday morning by someone walking their dog. He died by what police call trauma to the upper body, but neighbors who found the body said his throat was slashed. No arrests have been made.

While FOX 5 was at the scene Tuesday, two men came by and said they were friends of the victim. They said he was a DJ, and that his girlfriend, who just had a baby with him, is devastated. The friends said the victim is originally from El Salvador, and they believe that his mother and sister both live in the Alexandria area.

Meanwhile, police are not saying whether the murder happened in the park or if the body was moved. We asked police if it is safe for neighborhood children to use the playground.

"People need to take their own -- do what they feel comfortable with. If they don't feel comfortable using it -- don't use it. But if you do, then certainly go out and live your lives," said Crystal Nosal with the Alexandria Police Department.

Police also said the park has been cleaned by a biohazard contractor.