A man who was found dead in a southeast home last week has been identified as 36-year-old Robert Panameno and friends and family say he gave his life to save another.

Police were called to a home in the 1800 block of 39 Street S.E. last Wednesday just after noon for reports of a man in medical distress.

Officers encountered pepper spray when they entered the home and located a deceased man inside when they conducted a search.

Two children and two women, who were inside the home, were impacted by the pepper spray along with five officers.

“The pepper spray was obviously deployed while this event was unfolding,” said Staff Sergeant Martin Schiavetta of the CPS Homicide Unit. “It was deployed by the suspect.”

One of the women suffered additional injuries and was taken to hospital in stable condition.

The victim has been identified as Humberto (Robert) Panameno and an autopsy revealed that he died as a result of a stabbing.

Deibi Franscisco Monterroso Salazar, 29, was arrested in Strathmore on November 16 on warrants for second-degree murder and aggravated assault and police say the case is domestic in nature.

“We received a tip from the public, which led us to a rural acreage in the community of Strathmore and with the help of the RCMP Strathmore detachment and the emergency response team, with the RCMP we took him into arrest without incident,” said Schiavetta. “It’s obviously before the courts now, I can’t give any more specific details, but what I can say is certainly it was domestic in nature.”

Panameno’s family spoke to the media on Tuesday and said they are devastated by his death.

“My family and I stand here with a broken heart.  My brother was a courageous man and he always showed love and compassion to everyone. He was the type of person that always liked to help people in need. We are devastated with what has taken place, especially in the way his life was taken from him,” said Panameno’s sister, Doris.

She says her family has lost a son, brother, uncle and father.

"What's even more heartbreaking is that he leaves four young children behind. My nieces and nephews will never get to hold or see their father again. However, what gives us a little bit of comfort is knowing that he gave his life to save another,” she said.

Panameno's friend Karen says he saved her and that he is a hero in her eyes.

“He saved me without any thought, saved my mother and saved my children and he did not think of his and I will forever be grateful,” she said. “I am so, so happy and ecstatic and grateful that he was there and he deserves everything and all the praise, he's my hero and my children's hero.”

Police say Panameno knew the accused but that he was an innocent victim.

“Absolutely, Robert is an innocent victim that has been taken from our community,” said Schiavetta.

Salazar is expected to appear in court on the charges on November 28, 2017.

The family has established a GoFundMe page to help with expenses, click HERE for more information.