The body of a "quiet, gentle" man found stabbed to death in a rural NSW home last week may have laid undiscovered for a month, police say.
Chris Whiteley, 69, was found dead in his home on Main Street in Lithgow on September 7.
A post-mortem revealed Mr Whiteley had suffered multiple stab wounds.
His last known contact with family was on August 7, around the time police believe he was murdered.
Mr Whiteley kept to himself and had no known enemies, his brother said today.
"Chris was a quiet, gentle man, who moved to Lithgow because he loved the peaceful community atmosphere," Neil Whiteley said.
"He kept mostly to himself, and we can’t imagine he would have had any enemies or be involved with anyone who could do something like this.
"Our family have been greatly impacted by Chris's murder and we are calling on the community to provide police with information – no matter how small – to help them bring whoever is responsible to justice."
Detectives have established Strike Force Armor to investigate Mr Whiteley's suspected murder.
"In particular, we would like to speak with anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area around this time," Detective Inspector Luke Rankin said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.