Watch CBS News

Melissa Ketunuti, Philadelphia doctor found dead, bound, burned, was apparently strangled, report says

Undated photo of Melissa Ketunuti ketunuti.blogspot.com

(CBS) - A Philadelphia doctor whose body was found bound and burned inside her home was apparently strangled with rope, police said Tuesday.

Pictures: Phila. doctor found dead, bound and burned

According to Philly.com, Capt. James Clark said 35-year-old Melissa Ketunuti was found with a rope around her neck and police believe strangulation to be the cause of death. An autopsy is still being conducted by a medical examiner.

Firefighters responding to the home found Ketunuti's body on fire in the basement Monday afternoon, with her ankles and wrists bound behind her back. Police said there was no sign of forced entry.

Ketunuti was a second-year infectious diseases fellow and researcher at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, according to The Associated Press.

Clark said her boyfriend came to Philadelphia to assist in the investigation. He is not a suspect in the murder case, Philly.com reported.

More on Crimesider
Jan. 22, 2013 - Body of Melissa Ketunuti, Phila. pediatrician, found bound and burned in downtown home

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.