Person found dead, ‘partially burned’ in Riverdale was strangled: autopsy

Police are investigating after a body was found “partially burned” Sept. 5, 2019, in an alley behind a building in the 14000 block of South Atlantic Avenue in Riverdale. | Justin Jackson/Sun-Times

A person whose body was found partially burned Thursday behind a building in south suburban Riverdale died of strangulation, authorities have ruled.

A Riverdale village inspector on a “routine inspection” found the female dead about 11:30 a.m. in an alley behind a building in the 14000 block of South Atlantic Avenue, according to a statement from Riverdale police.

Investigators determined her body was “partially burned,” police said.

An autopsy Friday found she died of strangulation and ruled her death a homicide, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. Her age and identity remain unknown.

Detectives are looking into missing person reports in the area, police said. The South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force and the Illinois State Police Crime Lab are assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Riverdale detectives at 708-841-2203.

Police are investigating after a body was found “partially burned” Sept. 5, 2019, in an alley behind a building in the 14000 block of South Atlantic Avenue in Riverdale.

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