Northeast News
June 27, 2013

An elderly woman living in the 300 block of Benton Boulevard could be the city’s latest heat related death. Residents living nearby reported the woman’s dog outside overnight on Tuesday night which was unusual. Neighbors knocked on the door and there was no response, so the police and fire departments were summoned to the residence. Upon entering, the woman’s body was found inside.

Responders indicated that temperatures had soared to over 100 degrees inside the house and there was no running water. The woman was known for wearing several layers of clothing regardless of the outside temperature. Neighbors are caring for the woman’s dog.

Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Association President Leslie Caplan noted the importance of checking on neighbors during inclement weather, whether it be hot or cold.

“We need to keep an eye out for each other, especially our senior neighbors,” Caplan said.

The woman’s name has not been released. Officers indicated there were no signs of foul play. An autopsy will be scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.