Police Investigating Verona Woman's Death

A Verona mother of two was found dead in her basement on Saturday and law enforcement officials said her death is under investigation.

Authorities said Kellie Swanstrom, 41, was found unresponsive in the basement of her Linden Avenue home at approximately 8 a.m. Saturday after police responded to a 9-1-1 call for medical assistance.

She was pronounced dead a short time later, according to Essex County Chief Assistant Prosecutor, Thomas S. Fennelly. However, authorities did not release further details about her death or why it may be considered suspicious.

By Sunday afternoon, candles and bouquets of flowers in glass vases lined the driveway of the modest two-story home where Swanstrom lived with her husband and two young children.

Although the news of a death in the township had spread like wildfire among residents this weekend, official details were slow to emerge.

Yellow crime scene tape framed the property on the quiet, tree-lined street and vehicles from the Verona Police Department and Essex County Prosecutor's Office could be seen at the home throughout the weekend. A police officer was stationed at the door of the house.

The scene was quiet and orderly aside from the tape and police officer. Two sport utility vehicles and a car were parked in the driveway of the home. A basketball hoop could be seen in the driveway and an American Flag on a pole attached to the house above the garage waved slowly in the brisk winter breeze.

According to her LinkedIn.com profile, Swanstrom worked as President of KBC Consulting LLC.

If the cause of death is ruled a homicide, it would be the first in the township since the 2009 slaying of Verona resident Daniel Pritchard, who was shot and killed while working at a Sunoco gas station on Pompton Avenue on Feb. 22, 2009.

This is a breaking news story. Check back with Patch for additional details as they become available.

Caldwells Patch editor Teresa Akersten contributed to this report.