Chicago teen found strangled in abandoned Gary school

GARY, Ind. (WLS) -- Officials have identified a female body found inside an abandoned high school in Gary, Ind., as that of a teen girl from Chicago.

Connita L. Richardson, 17, was found dead inside the old Ralph Waldo Emerson High School in the 700-block of East 7th Avenue, authorities said. Richardson's last known address was in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood.

Police said Richardson was found dead Tuesday night after police received an anonymous call about a suspicious person inside the building.

Neighbors have complained that the school, which closed in 2008, has not been secured and has been a magnet for crime.

Initially, police were not able to identify Richardson and appealed to the public for help. Other than being strangled, police said initially there was only "minor trauma to the body".

The circumstances surrounding her death are being investigated by Lake County authorities. They've released no further information at this time.

Anyone with pertinent information should contact the police at (219) 755-3851.