Woman's body found in Chicago closet

A Chicago woman's decomposing body was found wrapped in a plastic bag inside a closet, and police said Monday they were questioning the ex-boyfriend of the victim's mother.

The body of Deena David, 35, was found Sunday evening by family members who broke down the door of the man's apartment on the city's northwest side after smelling a strong odor, police said.

Authorities did not release the name of the man who was being questioned, but said he was taken into custody at O'Hare International Airport as he was about to board a flight to Mexico City using a one-way ticket that had been purchased in cash.

He had a lengthy relationship with David's late mother, officials said.

Detective Joe Salemme said David was likely killed Wednesday night or Thursday morning. David died of strangulation, according to an autopsy performed by the Cook County medical examiner's office. David's death was ruled a homicide Monday, but no charges had been filed in the case.

Family members said David was last seen Wednesday and was reported missing by her sister Saturday afternoon.

Police visited the apartment where her body was ultimately found on Saturday, but were told by the building's owner that a smell coming from the unit was likely caused by decomposing trash. The owner wouldn't allow police to break down the door.

"They were not allowed by the owner of the building to make a forced entry and at that point the investigation had not proceeded to a level where the officers found it necessary to make a forced entry," said Deputy Chief Michael Chasen. "We don't have the ability to knock doors down just on somebody's say so."

Family members said they were stunned by the way David's body was discovered .

"To see something like that. That's my sister. I'd never think I would ever see something like that in my life," Maria Ramirez, David's sister told WLS-TV. "My sister. Now she is gone. For what reason? Nobody knows."