Skeleton Found in Store Chimney
Burglar May Have Gotten Stuck, Police Say
PHILADELPHIA -- Police believe skeletal remains found
lodged in the chimney of an out-of-business store may be those
of a serial burglar who got stuck when trying to rob the place
years ago.
Ironically, the man was attempting to burglarize a
theft-prevention business in North Philadelphia, Detective
Ramonita King said.
"Workers had been knocking down the chimney Saturday when they
smelled a foul odor. When they got closer, they noticed a pair
of sneakers, jeans and a Philly's cap and what looked to be
human remains," King said. "It appears that he got stuck trying
to enter the place through the chimney to rob it."
Police found a welfare card in the man's wallet and suspect he
was a wanted burglar with many aliases, King said.
The medical examiner's office tentatively listed the cause of
death as accidental compression asphyxia, officials said.
King said the store had been closed for many years, and a
construction crew had been renovating the property for its new
owners. She said the remains may be as many as 5 years old.
Exactly when the business was closed is unknown, King said.
The medical examiner's office will be conducting tests to
definitely determine if the remains are those of the suspected
burglar, King said.
