Raleigh police investigate after group home worker found dead

RALEIGH -- Investigators have identified the body of a woman found dead inside a group home Friday morning. Police consider her death suspicious but have not ruled it a homicide.

Rebecca Ezeoha Thompkins, 44, was found inside the Dickens Drive Group Home at 113 Dickens Drive about 6 a.m. Friday. Homicide detectives were called to the scene "because some of the circumstances of the death appeared to be potentially suspicious," police spokesman Jim Sughrue said in a written statement.

Thompkins was a direct care worker who monitored residents at the home. Administrators at the home said little about Thompkins and her duties Saturday night.

"We are saddened by the death of our colleague," said spokeswoman Alyse Shirley, speaking on behalf of Curtis Bass, center executive director. "The residents have been transferred to the homes of family members and our other facilities and are all safe. We remain committed to the safety and well being of our clients."

It may be early next week before it is determined how Thompkins died, Sughrue said. Anyone with information can call police at 919-996-3555.