Newport News Police investigating suspicious death after woman possibly assaulted, found dead

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Newport News Police Department is investigating after a 53-year-old woman was found dead in the city Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, at 1:45 p.m., officers were called to the 900 block of Wheeler Drive in reference to a suspicious death. When they arrived, they found the victim, who appeared to have been physically assaulted.

The woman was declared dead at the scene and police are now investigating the case as a homicide.

A family member who didn't want to appear on camera said the family is urging anyone with information to come forward to police.

"It's a shock and for that to happen where you think you're safe - that's the biggest thing," the family member said.

While News 3 was in the neighborhood reporting on the story, a man arrived. People from inside the house began yelling at the man, and then the man was arrested.

It's unclear why the man was arrested. So far, the police department hasn't responded to questions about the arrest.

For now, family members are waiting for more information.

"We just want [the police] to do their investigation and just let us know what happens," the family member said. "Hopefully, we can get this resolved as the cause and maybe the reason."

Police have not named any suspects in this death. If you or someone you know has information in this case that could lead to an arrest, call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887) or submit a tip using the P3Tips app.