Friend Finds Woman Dead in Her Apartment

A 38-year-old woman was found dead in her apartment Monday night, police said Tuesday.

The victim, identified as Carol Lynn Chamberlin of the 7700 block of 13th Street, was found about 7 p.m. by a friend who had learned that Chamberlin had not reported for work that day.

The woman’s body did not appear to have physical wounds, and there was no sign of forced entry at the residence, Police Officer Robin Kapp said. Authorities said it was unclear whether the death would be classified as a homicide.

Kapp said a preliminary report on the cause of death found an “aspiration of fluids into her lungs.”

It is unknown what caused the condition, and coroner’s officials said an official cause of death was still pending. Police said results of a toxicology report would not be known for some time.

Kapp said the victim’s employer informed her mother when Chamberlin did not arrive for work. The officer said the mother, who was not identified by police, then asked a friend of her daughter to check on her at the Westminster residence.