Melissa Ketunuti Update: Reward increased to $35K for information tied to Phila. pediatrician's murder

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Undated photo of Melissa Ketunuti

/ ketunuti.blogspot.com

(CBS/AP) PHILADELPHIA - The reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the murder of Melissa Ketunuti, a pediatrician found bound and burned inside her Center City apartment earlier this week, has grown to $35,000.

Pictures: Phila. doctor found dead, bound and burned

Ketunuti's partially nude body was found on fire by her dog walker in the basement of her Philadelphia home Monday afternoon.

Investigators said the likely cause of death wasstrangulation. Investigators also said Ketunuti's wrists and ankles were tied behind her back, CBS Philly reports.

In a news conference Tuesday, homicide division Captain James Clark said that the woman's body was found clad only in a shirt, although he did not believe she had been sexually assaulted, according to the station.

Authorities said there were no signs of forced entry into the home.

Clark said investigators were continuing to talk with neighbors and were analyzing surveillance tapes from the neighborhood. He said Ketunuti had a boyfriend, but he is not a suspect, CBS Philly reports.

Private donors have offered a $15,000 reward, which is in addition to a $20,000 reward that is already being offered by the city of Philadelphia for information in connection to the case.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the neighborhood Monday to call 215-546-TIPS.

Complete coverage of the Melissa Ketunuti case on Crimesider