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Cops: Woman's Decomposing Body Found In Chester Apartment, Son Arrested


By Al-Qumar Atkins, Kelly Hessedal

CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) – Police in Delaware County say the son of a woman whose decomposing body was found inside an apartment has been arrested.

According to officials, at about 9:16 a.m. Thursday Chester Police went to the apartment of a woman with multiple illnesses in Wallingford Estates, located in the 2700 block of Madison Street in Chester, Pa., to do a well-being check after receiving a call from a relative.

Authorities say when officers arrived they found a gruesome scene. Allegedly they found the body of the 52-year-old woman who was decomposing, and officials believe she had been dead for at least a day.

Police confirm that the Delaware County Medical Examiner's Office was on scene.

The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

Officials confirm the son, identified as 28-year-old Patrick Michael Smith, of the woman was taken into custody on an unrelated warrant and is being questioned about his mother's death. He is being held at the Chester Police Station.

Authorities confirm that the son also lived at the residence.

Police say the case is being investigated as a homicide.

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