43-Year-Old Dad Found Dead in a Field on Detroit's 8 Mile Road
The Detroit Police Department tells PEOPLE that 43-year-old Joshua Dillario was found dead in a field at Eight Mile Road and Interstate 75 South
Joshua leaves behind a daughter, according to his parents, Jeanne and Joseph Dillario
An investigation into the case is ongoingA 43-year-old man was found dead near a field on Detroit's Eight Mile Road, authorities said as his parents search for answers.
The body of Joshua Dillario, 43, was discovered at Eight Mile Road and Interstate 75 South, the Detroit Police Department confirms with PEOPLE.
In an interview with Fox affiliate WJBK, Jeanne and Joseph Dillario said they received the news about the death of their son on April 27.
"We just saw him on Easter Sunday,' Jeanne told the outlet about Joseph, a carpenter. 'We were all sitting down at dinner celebrating family.'
Prior to his death, Joseph worked a side gig fixing houses about two miles from where he resided, his family said.
'He had told us that he was working in the area,' Jeanne said, WJBK reported. He's been working here for months."
The parents added that Joshua's personal belongings were also missing, including his keys, cell phone, wallet and coat.
On the morning of Friday, May 9, Jeanne and Joseph were at the spot where the body of their son was found, setting up a makeshift memorial. They also posted flyers in the neighborhood seeking information about his death.
Jeanne maintained that Joshua would never abandon his daughter.
'His daughter was his whole life,' she said. 'And now she is devastated."
Police tell PEOPLE that an investigation into Joshua's death is ongoing. The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
Meanwhile, the dad's parents are appealing to the public for help. Not only are they planning to visit the spot as much as they can, but they are also considering building a permanent memorial on behalf of Joshua.
Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
"Anyone that might have seen him walking,' Jeanne said. 'Anyone that knew him because he walked every single day, the company he was working for, please come forward, please give somebody some information about our son.'
Those with information can call 1-800-SPEAKUP.
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