EVENING UPDATE: Modesto police this evening released a photo of a 29-year-old woman who, found dead last week in her apartment downtown, apparently was strangled. Detectives hope someone will recognize the photo of Jacqueline Marie Borja Schmitz and call with a tip, police spokesman Sgt. Brian Findlen said.
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Modesto police detectives Tuesday were asking for the public's help in finding those responsible for the death of a 29-year-old woman found in her Modesto apartment a week ago.
Modesto police Sgt. Brian Findlen said Jacqueline Marie Borja Schmitz was found dead in her apartment in the 700 block of 18th Street, just north of G Street. The case was determined this week to be a homicide.
"The investigation suggests it was strangulation," Findlen said.
A property manager found Schmitz alone during a routine check of the apartment about 1:10 p.m. on May 6, Findlen said. Schmitz was found unresponsive.
Findlen said detectives did not find any obvious signs of forced entry into the apartment.
Schmitz lived alone, Findlen said, and it was unclear whether she had any family in the Modesto area.
Detectives believe Schmitz was last seen alive May 4. They are seeking anyone who may have seen her in the days and weeks before she was found dead.
Police did not have a description of a suspect or suspects.
Schmitz's death is the city's 10th homicide this year and the third this month.
Detectives ask anyone with information about this case to call Modesto police at 572-9500. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips through the Crime Stoppers Web site, www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus your message. Callers to Crime Stoppers are eligible for a cash reward.
Bee staff writer Rosalio Ahumada can be reached at rahumada@modbee.com or 578-2394.
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