Detectives Search For Clues After Mother Is Strangled In Northeast Philadelphia
By Jan Carabeo and Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The search continued Thursday for clues that could lead to the killer of a Northeast Philadelphia married mother of two.
Connie McClain-Murray, 46, was strangled earlier this week and discovered in Pennypack Park near Holme and Convent Avenues.
Homicide detectives spent the entire day combing through the wooded area where the jogger was found dead early Tuesday morning.
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation crews were brought in to clear some of the thick brush in the area, as detective searched for evidence.
Also on scene were K9 units, which searched the woods and the marine unit, which walked the creek in Pennypack Park.
Homicide detectives were spotted searching the railroad tracks nearby, but spent most of the day walking the trails near the scene.
"It's very scary, very scary because we walk down there with the kids and it's just so close to home. It's unbelievable," Maria Slevenski said of the activity in her neighborhood.
Investigators tell Eyewitness News that they're still searching for McClain-Murray's headphones and cell phone and they believe that cell phone was turned off.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to review surveillance video in the area. Detectives say one clip shows McClain-Murray speaking with someone in a car.
Also late Thursday, investigators took a man they found in the woods in for questioning. They say he's homeless and cooperating with police.
People who live in the area are hoping the investigation is bringing detectives closer to a break in the case, not only for the mother's family, but also for their own peace of mind.
"It's scary, you used to be able to leave the door open, now you think twice," Lisa Grosso said.
"The poor woman and her family, prayers are with her," Slevenski said. "And I hope they catch whoever did it."
Investigators are still interviewing witnesses to try to track McClain-Murray's whereabouts on her final evening jog.
On Friday, heavy machinery will arrive on scene to clear more of the woods as investigators work to make sure every shred of evidence is discovered.
The (FOP) Lodge 5 is now offering a $10,000 reward and have joined with Mike McAllister and the members of the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union who are offering a $5,000 reward. The reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this murder now stands at $36,000.
Tipsters are urged to call the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334/3335.
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