Authorities Investigating Washington Street Homicide

Lelia Whatley, 22, died of asphyxiation, officials said

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is investigating the death of a West Orange woman on Oct. 31. Lelia Whatley, 22, was found unresponsive at her Washington Street residence early last Wednesday and was pronounced dead at the scene, said Katherine Carter, spokesperson for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. Whatley's death was ruled a homicide after an autopsy Monday found she died of asphyxiation, Carter said. Whatley is originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Carter said. No arrests have been made. An investigation by the prosecutor's office is active and ongoing.

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