The Norwich Police Department responding to a welfare check at 89 North Broad Street. Inside the residence, they discovered the body of 44-year-old Alisa Ann Martin. Her death has been ruled a homicide. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — City of Norwich Police Department (NPD) Chief Reuben Roach confirmed Monday that the death of 44-year-old Norwich resident Alisa Ann Martin has been ruled a homicide.

On Sunday, July 9, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a welfare check relating to a missing persons complaint in which the person had not been seen in several days. Officers arrived at her apartment at 89 North Broad Street and had to force their way in, Roach reported.

The New York State Police Forensic Identification Unit (FIU) assisted in processing the scene along with an NPD evidence technician. The Chenango County Sheriff's Office is also assisting with the investigation.

“Due to the conditions of the body and the scene, we are looking at things very seriously,” said Roach.

Police are waiting to release more information pending results from an autopsy.

"I can't release any details of the case at this point," said Roach. "I can tell you it’s been ruled a homicide. That’s all I can say."

Medical Examiner Martin Masarech said a preliminary autopsy could take a few days to complete, and was based on the observation of the pathologist's physical examination. He said a complete examination would require toxicology and other lab tests, and those typically take six to eight weeks to complete.

Masarech said a preliminary examination might lead to some determinations, but they may also be inconclusive. As of Monday afternoon, he said doctors were still in the process of conducting a preliminary examination and no additional information was available.

The case is still developing and the Norwich Police are asking anyone with information to call 607-336-8477.

-Evening Sun Managing Editor Tyler Murphy contributed to this story