Police: Woman's body found in Melrose apartment, death deemed suspicious

Police discovered the body of a Melrose woman in her apartment Monday and are deeming the death suspicious.
Police found 29-year-old Irene Franco's body unresponsive inside her Jackson Houses apartment just before 9 a.m. Franco's 63-year-old mother, who she lived with, was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital for an evaluation after being interviewed by police.
Police believe Franco may have been suffering from some sort of illness, but they have not confirmed what or if the illness resulted in her death.
A neighbor tells News 12 Franco relied on a wheelchair to get around. Several others tell News 12 that screaming and yelling was often heard from the apartment.
The entrance to the apartment remains blocked off by police a day later. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
Police tell News 12 they will continue to interview those close to the family to get a better idea of what could have happened.