Woman found dead in empty, new home in La Marque was owner of cleaning company, police say

LA MARQUE, Texas (KTRK) -- La Marque police suspect foul play after a woman contracted to clean a new home was found dead in it on Tuesday.

Officers were called to the home in the 1300 block of Green Jay Lane, near Delany Road and Texas Avenue, just before 5 p.m. when the property manager of the subdivision found the woman's body in a vacant residence.

La Marque police said the woman's injuries indicate she was a victim of an assault and said the case was "definitely homicide." They didn't go into detail about the exact injuries she sustained.

Initially, authorities told Eyewitness News she was at the home because she worked in construction and was in the area for a job. But in an update Wednesday afternoon from Lt. Forrest Gandy, he said the victim owned a cleaning company and was contracted to perform those services at the house.

Gandy identified the woman as 57-year-old Maria Rios of Rosharon. Her death is being investigated as a homicide.

The house is empty and under construction, just like most of the homes on Green Jay Lane. ABC13 crews spotted a "sold" sign in the front yard of the home. Requests for comment from KB Home was not returned as of Wednesday evening.

Police said the investigation is active and no suspect information is available for public release.

ABC13's Courtney Fischer spoke with the only person living in the area. He said he moved in three days ago and didn't notice anyone coming and going from the house on Tuesday other than police.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Leacroy of the La Marque Police Department at (409) 938-9251. Information can be provided to La Marque Crime Stoppers anonymously at (409) 938-TIPS (8477) or www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=741. Information leading to arrests or convictions can result in rewards of up to $5,000.