Residents said the scene was jarring for a neighborhood known for its calm.
"We don't see this every day. Not here anyway," one neighbor said.
Another added, "Pretty safe and comfortable place. Sounds a bit odd."
Police and crime scene technicians entered Rose Court at 314 79th St. to collect evidence, startling residents who opened their doors to find investigators working in their lobby.
"I've never seen something like that," said neighbor Maria Serrano. "That's why when I lock the door I put the three locks on the door because you never know."
Authorities said the woman was found unconscious with head trauma at 9:35 a.m. Monday. An Amazon package laid unopened on the lobby floor beside a broken door knob, raising questions among neighbors who said they had no idea anything had happened inside the apartment.
Adonis Younes, who lives across the hall, said the victim did not live alone.
"People are people - just she's way older than him. Not way older. Maybe like 10, 15-year difference. Usually it's the other way around. Usually the husband is older than the wife. So that was like the only odd thing but nothing really honestly," Younes said.
Others said they didn't realize a couple lived there at all.
"Didn't think it was a woman I've ever seen going in or with him at all," another neighbor said.
Police sources told Eyewitness News the woman's death appears suspicious, a revelation that has unsettled residents.
"Honestly I'm very concerned now," one resident said.
Police have not said whether they have identified a suspect.
----------
* More Brooklyn news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Download our connected TV app