An investigation is underway after human remains were found in a suitcase in Southwest Philadelphia Tuesday afternoon.
A passerby made the grisly discovery around 4:15 p.m. on the 2700 block of Ruby Terrace at the Bartram Village housing development.
Detectives say a manager and housing police noticed a strong odor and saw maggots coming from a 2-foot-by-2-foot suitcase. They then discovered the remains of an unidentified woman inside.
Police say the suitcase was within feet of several neighbors and children who live in the development.
"It's a horrifying discovery for everybody involved here," Philadelphia Police Lt. John Walker said. "From the people living here to the officers arriving here and dealing with the situation."
Investigators are working to identify the victim and determined a cause of death. They are also looking at surveillance video to see if any cameras captured anyone leaving the suitcase at the location.
If you have any information, please contact Philadelphia police.
