A Queens neighborhood was left in shock after a body was discovered inside a chimney at a public school Tuesday morning.
“It looks like a scene out of a TV show. It’s disturbing. It’s scary, my kids are disturbed,” said Merissa Terranova, whose children attend the school.
The body was discovered in the chimney of P.S./I.S. 113 in Glendale around 9 a.m., according to police.
What You Need To Know
A body was discovered in the chimney of P.S./I.S. 113 in Glendale Tuesday morning, according to police
Authorities said a school custodian noticed a foul odor and called an exterminator, believing an animal had died inside the chimney. The exterminator made the discovery and alerted the NYPD
The city’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death
Authorities said a school custodian noticed a foul odor and called an exterminator, believing an animal had died inside the chimney. The exterminator made the discovery and alerted the NYPD.
“My kids were actually complaining last week, ‘Ma, there’s a rotten smell at recess.’ I smelled it myself,” Terranova said.
No students or staff members were in the building when the body was found because classes had ended Friday.
A police source at the scene said investigators believe the body may have been inside the chimney for several weeks, but all students, staff members and construction workers have been accounted for.
A spokesperson for New York City Public Schools said, “this discovery is deeply upsetting and concerning, and we are making sure the right supports are in place for the entire school community while NYPD investigates.”
The deceased’s identity has not been released.
The city’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.