Philly Police Find Murdered Woman in Missing Mom’s Garage

A body found in a Northeast Philadelphia garage on Sunday is believed to be that of a 51-year-old mom reported missing a day earlier.

Investigators say Ivelisse Lugo was last seen at her home Saturday morning, possibly with her estranged husband. Her daughters reported her missing and began knocking on neighbors doors, asking if anyone had seen her, WCAU reported.

Police returned to Crescentville neighborhood home on Sunday and this time found the remains of a woman in the garage, wrapped in a blanket and towel. She had been stabbed multiple times, police said, and it appeared the killer had attempted to clean up the scene.

Officials have not yet positively identified the remains, WPVI said.

Police issued a “missing endangered person” alert for Lugo more than 24 hours after she was reported missing. The alert was issued shortly after 9:30 a.m. Sunday; it’s not clear what time police found the body in her garage.

The alert said that Lugo may be with her estranged husband, which it did not name. It described his vehicle, a 2006 Chevy Express van with Pennsylvania license plate #ZRR-4023 and a cross on the rear door.

Other family members said they have attempted to get in touch with the estranged husband with no luck, WCAU said.

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[Featured image: Ivelisse Lugo/Philadelphia Police Department]