FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A homicide investigation is underway after a woman found dead at a Fort Lauderdale apartment complex was identified by family members as Daneshia Heller. Detectives are working to determine how she died after her body was discovered early Wednesday morning near a dumpster outside a residential building.
According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, officers were called just before 7:30 a.m. to the 1500 block of Southwest Second Street. When they arrived, they located a woman’s body near a dumpster at the Alden Apartments, situated next to North Fork Elementary School. The proximity to the school heightened concerns among nearby residents.
A man who called 911 told reporters he discovered the body and said it appeared battered and had been partially covered with flattened cardboard boxes from the trash. Authorities quickly secured the area and placed a blue tent over the scene as crime scene investigators began collecting evidence. Detectives spent hours examining the area for clues that could help explain what happened.
Aerial footage from WPLG Local 10’s Sky 10 helicopter showed a heavy police presence throughout the morning. Approximately 20 to 30 patrol vehicles surrounded the apartment complex as yellow crime scene tape blocked access to several buildings. Investigators were seen photographing the area and using forensic kits while canvassing residents for information.
Despite early descriptions from the caller, a detective at the scene said the woman’s body did not show obvious visible injuries, leaving authorities to await further findings from the medical examiner. Officials have not released a cause of death, and investigators are continuing to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the discovery.
Police have not announced any suspects or possible motives in the case. Authorities said the victim’s official identification will be confirmed following next-of-kin notification procedures. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at 954-828-5700 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
