A routine renovation check in the Longwood section of the Bronx turned into a crime scene when a landlord says he found a tenant dead with a knife in his chest inside an apartment, triggering a homicide investigation.
Construction workers at the building had complained about a foul odor days earlier. The landlord said he finally went to inspect the unit himself and discovered the body inside.
Police were called to 1006 Longfellow Ave just before 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. As of Wednesday evening, officials had not publicly identified the victim. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will examine the remains and determine the official cause and manner of death.
According to the NYPD, officers responded to the scene after getting the landlord’s call about the discovery. As reported by a dead man found with a knife in his chest, the landlord told the station that renovation crews had noticed the odor earlier in the week before he entered the apartment and found the body.
What Officials Say
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner handles autopsies and death certifications in New York City and will take the lead on testing, identification and any toxicology in this case. OCME examinations are the standard next step in suspicious or potentially violent deaths and provide medical findings that help investigators determine how and why someone died.
Earlier Activity at the Address
Police have been at 1006 Longfellow Ave before. Forensic teams were previously seen at the building during an investigation that may have been connected to human remains found in Bronx parks. Neighbors told the station investigators combed the backyard and carried out evidence bags during that earlier probe, as detailed in coverage of forensic teams at the building.
Anyone with information can contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit an anonymous tip online. City and police officials had not released further information as of Wednesday night; this story will be updated as authorities provide more details.
