Police: Woman's body found in Melrose apartment, death deemed suspicious

Police discovered the body of a Melrose woman in her apartment Monday and are deeming the death suspicious.

News 12 Staff

Jan 14, 2020, 10:23 PM

Updated 1,563 days ago

Share:

Police discovered the body of a Melrose woman in her apartment Monday and are deeming the death suspicious.
Police found 29-year-old Irene Franco's body unresponsive inside her Jackson Houses apartment just before 9 a.m. Franco's 63-year-old mother, who she lived with, was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital for an evaluation after being interviewed by police.
Police believe Franco may have been suffering from some sort of illness, but they have not confirmed what or if the illness resulted in her death.
A neighbor tells News 12 Franco relied on a wheelchair to get around. Several others tell News 12 that screaming and yelling was often heard from the apartment.
The entrance to the apartment remains blocked off by police a day later. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
Police tell News 12 they will continue to interview those close to the family to get a better idea of what could have happened.


More from News 12
1:53
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:51
Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City; tracking weekend rain

Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City; tracking weekend rain

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times