Memphis police investigating death of woman in Whitehaven

A 69-year-old woman found dead in her Whitehaven home Wednesday morning was assaulted and her death is being investigated as a homicide, police said.

Family identified the woman as Sherlain Porter Rowe and gathered outside the home in the 5300 block of Millbranch as police investigated.

Officers were called to the home about 8 a.m. after the woman's sister called police when she looked through the window and saw her sister on the floor.

"The fire department was called to gain entry," said Memphis Police Lt. Col. Gregory Sanders.

Police spokesman Louis Brownlee said the preliminary investigation indicates the woman was physically assaulted.

"A female was located and pronounced deceased. This is being investigated as a homicide," Brownlee said. "The investigation is ongoing."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.