The man found dead at a Birch Avenue home is being described as gentle giant with a temper.

Joseph Gregory Pek, 38, was found dead Tuesday morning on the front steps of 454 Birch Avenue. A cell phone, lighter and a bloody piece of clothing were collected as evidence.

Police have not released the cause of death, but sources tell Castanet that he was stabbed in the neck and that the stabbing did not occur at the home.

"I heard some really loud screams. Very deep, hysterical screaming," says Birch Avenue resident, Al Knutson. "I heard pounding on the door and someone saying: Just leave, just leave." Knutson says he didn't see the victim, but did witness a woman sitting on some rocks in front of the residence. "I heard her screaming something like: He's dead or how could you kill him."

RCMP say Pek was well known to police for violence and drugs. Pek's criminal record, published on a government web site, reveals that he had an extensive criminal record dating back to 2001 for a variety of crimes committed in the Kelowna and Kamloops areas.

Sources tell Castanet that Pek was released from jail three weeks ago and that he was assaulted last week as a warning. Sources say he was a big man who women on the street turned to for protection.

Sources also tell Castanet that aside from his sometimes violent behaviour, Pek could be a "sweet man".

Pek was seen Monday at the Kelowna Drop In Centre where he had lunch.

The Birch Avenue home where Pek was found dead is described by some neighbours as a drug or flop house.