Vianela Tavera, a missing mother of five from New York, was shot in the head and her body left in a home in the Feltonville section of Philadelphia, police say.
The Philadelphia Medical Examiner's office ruled the 50-year-old woman's death a homicide, police said Tuesday. Tavera's decomposing body was found in a home just off the Roosevelt Boulevard after complaints of a foul odor led a search of the property.
Tavera's family members initially said they were "99 percent" sure the body was hers. They later confirmed it was her at the medical examiner's office Monday.
Tavera lived in New York but has family in Camden. She's the mom of five children.
Her Acura SUV was found in Virginia, along with a man she knew: Luis Negron Martinez.
Martinez, who is from Philadelphia, was found in the car with a 9mm gun, investigators said.
Police said he needed medical attention when he was found. He remained in police custody in Fairfax County, Virginia, Tuesday.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Police questioned Martinez. They did not say how the two knew each other.
Tavera's family members made preparations to take her body to the Bronx.
