At 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, a 9-1-1 call in West Philadelphia prompted police to arrive at a unit block on North 61st Street, where they discovered a partially decomposed body lying face down in a home that had been abandoned for weeks.
The 9-1-1 Call and Initial Response
According to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small, officers were dispatched to the address after the caller reported finding a body inside the residence. The call came from a man who had gone to the house to check on a friend he had not seen in about five weeks.
Discovery of the Body
Inside the property, first responders found the body face down, with the torso and head partially exposed. The condition of the remains suggested that the individual had been present in the home for a significant amount of time before the discovery.
Pronouncement and Condition
The deceased was pronounced dead at the scene around 1:46 a.m., as reported by Small. The body was partially decomposed, making identification and determination of cause of death more challenging for investigators.
Friend’s Account
The caller, who later was taken in for an interview, explained that he had been visiting a friend living alone in the house. He believed the remains belonged to a 41-year-old man who had been a resident of the home.
Identity Uncertainty
However, because of the positioning and condition of the remains, Small said police have not yet identified the body. “We are not certain who it is because the body is partially decomposed,” Small noted.
Condition of the Home
The home was found in disarray, with debris and clutter scattered throughout the living area. The scene’s chaotic state added to the complexity of the investigation, as it obscured potential evidence.
Assessment of Foul Play
Small added that investigators were unable to immediately determine whether the deceased had been a victim of foul play due to the condition of the body. The partial decomposition limited the ability to assess external injuries or other indicators of homicide.
Autopsy and Forensic Work
The medical examiners office, Small said, will conduct an autopsy to help determine the individual’s identity and cause of death. An autopsy is a standard procedure in cases where the body is not immediately identifiable.
Cooperation from the Caller
The man who called 9-1-1 was cooperating with police, according to Small. He was interviewed at the scene and has provided information that may assist the investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
An investigation is ongoing, Small stated. The police will continue to work with forensic experts and other agencies to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death and to identify the victim.
Key Takeaways
- A partially decomposed body was found face down in a West Philly home at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
- The body was pronounced dead at the scene about 16 minutes later, with no immediate identification.
- Police are conducting an autopsy and investigating whether foul play was involved.
The authorities have not released additional details about the case, and no suspects have been named. The investigation remains active as more information becomes available.
