Body found in duffel bag in Phila. ID'd as recent grad

PHILADELPHIA - A woman found dead inside a duffel bag next to a vacant home in northeast Philadelphia on Monday has been identified as Laura Araujo, a 23-year-old recent art school grad.

Homicide Capt. James Clark said Araujo had been beaten and strangled, and her hands and feet were bound. Her belongings were found strewn near her body and her vehicle was found torched miles away, according to police.

A man who lived in the same apartment complex as Araujo was being questioned in connection with the case. Police say charges are expected to be filed against the man on Wednesday.

Capt. Clark said the victim was about to start a new hotel job and was in the process of moving. Police believe she was killed last Sunday, hours before her body was found.

Authorities say Araujo was originally from New York and had earned a fashion degree from the Art Institute of Philadelphia.