A woman was found dead inside her Melrose apartment Monday, according to police.

Police say the children of 35-year-old Belkis Lopez found her dead with a rubber band around her neck.

Police say they think this was a domestic dispute.

News 12 is told police were called to the apartment on East 158th Street for an assault around 8:15 a.m.

The medical examiner is still working to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are looking for a Brooklyn man – 44-year-old Angel DeJesus. They believe he was the woman’s partner and are asking for the public’s help in finding him. DeJesus has four prior charges, including forcible touching, failure to register as a sex offender, criminal possession of controlled substances, and sex abuse of a minor.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).