Roommates questioned over dead body rotting in Staten Island basement

Police are questioning the two roommates of a man that police say died days ago, but his body was only discovered Wednesday due to a foul smell.

Around midnight on Wednesday morning, firefighters responded to a call of a gas odor at 207 Nicholas Ave. in Port Richmond, the Staten Island Advance reported. While there, authorities discovered the body of a 53-year-old man in the basement.

Police have now questioned two residents who live in the house where the body was found, the New York Daily News reported. So far, officials have not released any identities.

The landlord told police he had not seen the 53-year-old in approximately one week, the Advance stated, adding that a source said that the two roommates had been seen coming and going during that time.

Officials found bruises on the body, which was in an advanced state of decomposition, sources said to the Daily News.

An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death has not been completed, the Daily News added.

Authorities have determined that the location has no gas-related danger, according to the Advance.