Police 'Confident' They'll Make Arrest In Doctor's Murder - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Police 'Confident' They'll Make Arrest In Doctor's Murder

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Investigators with the Philadelphia Police Department stand outside the Center City home where a woman was found murdered. Investigators with the Philadelphia Police Department stand outside the Center City home where a woman was found murdered.
Dr. Melissa Ketunuti worked for Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Melissa Ketunuti worked for Children's Hospital in Philadelphia.
CENTER CITY -

"I am very confident we will make an arrest."

Those words late Wednesday from Homicide Detectives as they were pouring over hours of surveillance tape from cameras near the crime scene where Dr. Melissa Ketunuti from Children's Hospital was found tied up, strangled and set on fire Monday.

"We're looking over hours of video, if theres anything we see we feel we should put out to the public we will do that," said Capt. James Clark of the Homicide Unit.

The 35-year-old doctor returned to her Naudain Street home near Rittenhouse Square just before noon Monday after running errands. A short time later, her dog walker arrived at the house and found her body on fire in the basement.

"We have not ruled out anyone. The investigation is still wide open. We're still looking at everyone and anyone who had contact with her," Clark added.

The update on this murder came as the reward in the case jumped to $35,000 thanks to the efforts of City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and area hospital officials who mourned the murder of one of their own.

"Here was a young lady who made a choice to move to the city of Philadelphia to pursue her career," Councilman Johnson said.

Investigators, meanwhile, spent Wednesday interviewing Ketunuti's co-workers at CHOP and processing her car at a nearby garage looking for clues to this murder mystery. Several people had access to her home, just blocks from Rittenhouse Square, by using a combination lock box on her door.

Now, Johnson and investigators hope the public will help out.

"Any information that someone may have may be relevant in solving this case," he said.

Detectives may decide to release surveillance pictures Wednesday night to get the public's help.

Childrens Hospital issued a statement on Ketunuti's murder Tuesday. But no one there wanted to talk Wednesday. The victim's parents are reportedly on their way to Philadelphia here from Thailand.

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