"...four or five people had been living in the apartment since it became unattended in early November."

If you're going to watch somebody's place, visit at least once a week and look all around, inside and out. The damnedest things happen when homes are unattended. Plumbing leaks, flyers and free papers litter the walk/porch, ...and critters get in.

Somebody who stops by two days or whatever before your expected return is doing you no favors.

yikes.

I bet this is the place at Jefferson Terrace. This place is a constant freak show.