A decomposing body found inside a Bronx apartment after a 911 call alerted police was ruled a homicide Wednesday evening, with cops now searching for the assailant, according to the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
On Monday, cops found the decomposing body of Jose Burgos, 58, inside the apartment building where he lived on Elsmere Place near Southern Blvd. in West Farms, authorities said.
Police responded to a 911 call about a foul odor, and found Burgos’ apartment door unlocked in the building that offers affordable units for senior citizens. Investigators believe the victim was fatally stabbed.
The man’s body was found lying facedown, covered in a blanket and showing signs of trauma — including what appeared to be a stab wound to his back, a police source told the Daily News.
According to a neighbor who called 911, Burgos was known as a panhandle who would at times sweep up in front of local business for extra money.
“He lived here with his girlfriend but I haven’t seen her in months,” the neighbor said. “The smell was horrible — horrible like a dead animal. I called 911.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
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