43°
Miguel Aguilar, 34, of Philadelphia, has been identified as a "person of interest" in the death of Ivelisse Lugo, 51, of the 5900 block of Elsinore Street, according to the Philadelphia Police.
Lugo had been reported as missing at 8:15 a.m., PPD detailed in a release on Saturday, Oct. 26.
She was thought to be "in the company of her estranged husband, who owns a 2006 Chevy Express van with Pennsylvania license plate #ZRR-4023, with a cross on the rear door," the police wrote in the initial release.
The van "has a roof rack, missing paint and cross decal on driver’s side rear door, [and a] missing paint along passenger side roof," police wrote in an update.
Aguilar is believed to be driving the van, according to the updated release. He was her estranged husband, based on public records and social media.
"Officers returned to the residence, where they located the victim in the garage, wrapped in a blanket and towel," the police wrote in a follow-up release on Sunday, Oct. 27. Lugo was pronounced dead by medics at 4:21 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Her cause of death has not been released, but the manner was a homicide, according to the police.
Known to those who loved her as "Ivy," her community is reeling from the sudden loss of Lugo, who just celebrated a birthday on Sunday, Oct. 13, according to social media.
She was known as "an extraordinary individual, constantly eager to lend a hand and spread kindness."
Her daughters Hazel and Ivimirmary are taking this news the hardest.
As written on a GoFundMe launched for them:
"To know Ivelisse was to know a loving mother, who was caring and compassionate. Never shy to lend a helping hand or give a welcoming hug. A woman so many of us have come to love and consider our own family. A sister, an aunt, a dear friend and cousin to so many who all held her in high regard. Her most important role was that of a mother to Hazel and Ivimirmary, their biggest supporter. As we mourn the loss of Ivelisse due to this senseless tragedy we would like to continue her legacy of always fiercely taking care of her girls. We look to start this fund to be able to help them transition in this time of grief and uncertainty. The road ahead may be long and difficult so we would like to extend this offer to the so many who want to help lift the burdens during this journey."
A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or the PPD tipline at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Click here to donate to donate to the GoFundMe.
This is the second missing Philadelphia woman to be found murdered in her home in less than two weeks.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Hanover-Penn Township and receive free news updates.
