A homicide investigation is underway after a woman’s corpse was discovered covered in a blanket and towel inside a garage in Philadelphia’s Lawncrest neighborhood. It all began with a missing person report.
On Saturday, police rushed to the 5900 block of Elsinore Street for a report of a missing person, 51-year-old Ivelisse Lugo. Witnesses on the block told ABC Philadelphia affiliate WPVI that Lugo’s daughter was going door to door asking if anyone had seen her mother. According to reports, the daughter then called the police to report her mother missing.
Police issued an alert for Lugo at about 9:40 a.m. on Sunday. They said Lugo was last seen at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday at her Elsinore Street residence. The missing persons report stated that Lugo may be with her estranged spouse. He drives a 2006 Chevy Express van with a cross on the back door and Pennsylvania license plate number ZRR-4023. They have not revealed his name.
When police returned to the home to continue their investigation on Sunday, they discovered a woman deceased around 4:20 p.m., with a stab wound to the back. She was wrapped in a blanket and a towel inside the garage. On Monday, police verified that the body found was Lugo. Neighbors regarded her as a friendly and caring woman. According to officials, no arrests have been made, and no firearms have been discovered. A $20,000 prize is given for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Anyone having information about Ivelisse Lugo should contact the Northeast Detective Division at 215-686-3153 or call 911.
