A human corpse discovered wedged inside a chimney at Queens public school P.S./I.S. 113 Anthony J. Pranzo has sparked a criminal investigation.
The remains were found Tuesday morning shortly before 9 a.m. after facilities staff detected a persistent foul odor emanating from the chimney. Police responded and discovered the decomposed remains, which the medical examiner's office removed for autopsy and identification. As of now, the deceased has not been identified, and the cause of death remains under investigation.
School officials told police that no students or staff were present in the building when the remains were discovered. The institution had closed for summer break on Friday and was officially shuttered for construction work. However, contractors had been actively working inside the building over preceding days.
The discovery raises questions about contractor vetting and security protocols. Building Department records show that permits had been issued for wiring, hot water heating and other mechanical work.
The NYPD is attempting to confirm that all contractors who had access to the building during the construction window can be accounted for.
The Department of Education released a statement characterizing the discovery as "deeply upsetting and concerning."
The medical examiner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Investigators are examining who approved the contractors, what background checks were performed, whether facility inspections occurred during construction, who has keys to restricted areas and whether security cameras were operational.
P.S./I.S. 113 serves elementary and middle school students in Queens.
