BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- A woman was found dead at an apartment complex off 17th Street South, Birmingham Police Department reports.
At around 3:30 p.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to a residence at Hillside Apartments for a welfare check. Once they entered, an adult female was found inside and pronounced dead.
Public information officer Truman Fitzgerald stated foul play is suspected in the victim's death. Her romantic partner, an adult male, was detained by officers downtown as a person of interest. He is currently at BPD Headquarters for questioning.
Additionally, Fitzgerald stated the case may be connected to the disappearance of 27-year-old Maria Juan. Her family reported her missing after not hearing from her since Thursday night. Special Victims Unit detectives assigned to her case began searching for her Friday.
While the Jefferson County Coroner's Office has not positively identified the Hillside Apartment victim, Fitzgerald stated BPD investigators "strongly believe" her to be Juan.
Those with information on the case are urged to call BPD at 205-254-1764 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.