Human remains found in North Side Chicago house
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Police were investigating Monday evening after police found human remains in the basement of a house in the West Ridge community.
Police said at 11:15 a.m., what they called possible human remains were found in the house at 2835 W. Fitch Ave., between California and Francisco avenues and half a block south of busy Touhy Avenue.
Investigators left the home around 5:30 p.m., after spending the whole day there. Yet before the scene was cleared, investigators from the Cook County Medical Examiner's office came to the scene to remove an intact body from the house.
Neighbors said the homeowner died about a week ago, and family members came Monday to clean out the house.
While clearing things out and packing boxes, family members stumbled across a body. They immediately called 911.
"I can only imagine that they are completely shocked," said neighbor Larry Baer.
But late Monday, it was not clear whom the body found in the basement belonged to – leaving neighbors shocked by the gruesome discovery.
"It's kind of scary, honestly – like not knowing that there's something, like there's a person possibly dead in the house, and like not knowing that that's happening," said neighbor Alana Wakschlad. "I've walked past this house so many times, and you know, I wouldn't have even known at all."
Neighbors said they never knew of anyone except the recently-deceased homeowner to live in the house - adding they never saw anyone enter the front door until Friday, when police and detectives arrived.
"We've been here over a decade. Never once saw anyone come outside," said Baer. "It's always been blinds closed, door closed."
Baer said his wife had had interactions with the homeowner who died last week – whom Baer identified as "Jerry." The homeowner never mentioned anyone living with him," Baer said.
"No, in fact, we had no idea anyone was living with him," Baer said.
Baer said the homeowner was known for just sitting in his car at all hours of the day and night.
"We didn't know if he was alone and maybe he didn't want to be inside the house. Maybe something happened," Baer said. "Apparently, it looks like that's the case."
Baer said the homeowner was known for just sitting in his car at all hours of the day and night.
There was also no word late Monday on how long the body was in the house, or how the person died. The investigation continued Monday night.
