The Glendale building was empty of students as police began a death investigation.
NEW YORK — Parents and neighbors in Glendale were left shaken Tuesday after human remains were discovered inside a chimney at P.S./I.S. 113 Anthony J. Pranzo, a Queens school closed for summer construction.
The case drew concern because classes had ended only Friday and the school serves about 750 children from prekindergarten through eighth grade. Officials said no students or school staff were inside when the remains were found, aside from building workers tied to the summer closure.
The discovery began with a foul odor. A custodian asked an exterminator to check the smell, believing it might be tied to pests. The exterminator found a shoe and then apparent human remains inside an ash dump connected to the chimney. Police were called shortly before 9 a.m. and began a death investigation at the school near 87th Street and 78th Avenue.
Police had not released the person’s name, age or cause of death. Investigators were working to remove and examine the remains while the city medical examiner’s office prepared to make formal findings. Officials said it was still unknown how the person entered the chimney or how long the remains had been there.
The school building had been closed for construction during summer break. City records showed recent repair work involving hot water heating, wiring and other building systems. Detectives were expected to ask contractors whether they knew of anyone missing or had seen anything unusual around the building.
New York City Public Schools said the discovery was “deeply upsetting and concerning.” The agency said it was making sure support was in place for the school community while the NYPD investigated. The statement also stressed that no students were present because the building was closed for construction.
Outside the school, residents described disbelief. Neighbor Maggie Rosario said the situation was sad no matter who the person was or what happened. Parents also raised questions about safety around the school building, including access near scaffolding and the timing of the discovery so soon after the school year ended.
No charges had been announced Tuesday. The case now turns on the medical examiner’s identification and the NYPD’s review of who had access to the building before the remains were found.
Author note: Last updated July 1, 2026.