(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) Windham and state police detectives work in the area of the portable toilet where the body of homicide victim Edward Johnson, from Brooklyn, New York, was found late last week.

WINDHAM — A 37-year-old man from the New York City borough of Brooklyn has been identified as the victim of the Windham homicide that state and local police are continuing to investigate.

Edward Johnson’s body was discovered in a portable toilet, known as a “porta-potty,” that had previously been placed near the intersection of West Shore and Woodvue roads for use by members of a road construction crew working in that area.

Police haven’t said how long they believe the body had been there before it was discovered Thursday. But first responders who were called to the scene upon its discovery didn’t administer any medical treatment, an indication that the body had been there at least overnight.

An autopsy on Johnson’s body, performed Friday by chief state Medical Examiner Dr. Jennie Duval, determined that Johnson’s death was caused by gunshot wounds to the head, and that the manner of death is homicide.

A state police detective and the commander of the state police K-9 unit searched along the side of Gateway Boulevard, which runs between a state Park and Ride lot and Range Road.

After an extended period of time, the K-9 team stopped the search and returned to the scene where other investigators were working.

Shortly before noon on Friday, a hearse from a local funeral home arrived at the scene and removed the body. The hearse was followed from the scene by a police officer.

Contributor Jeffrey Hastings provided reporting for this story.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.