WORCESTER, Mass. -- Worcester police said the fetus of a slain pregnant woman is missing and they are asking for the public's help.

After investigating, a landlord discovered the body of a female in the closet of an apartment, police said.

Worcester police said they responded to an apartment 94 Southgate Street at about 12:59 p.m. Monday.

This call was placed by the property landlord who had been there to check for a report of a strong odor coming from that apartment.

During the course of the landlord’s inspection, he discovered a deceased body of what he believed to be a woman in the closet of a bedroom.

A search warrant was obtained and Worcester police detectives processed the scene along with the Evidence Recovery Unit and members of the Crime Scene Unit.

Police said the victim was believed to be the current tenant of the apartment who was last seen on July 23.

The tenant was identified is 23-year-old Darlene Haynes. She was eight months pregnant.

Police said Haynes, who had been deceased for several days, was discovered wrapped in bedding.

Her body was transported to the Boston Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy, which was performed Tuesday. The cause of death was ruled a homicide. Exact cause of death will be pending toxicology results.

During the examination, it was revealed that the victim's fetus was removed. The fetus was not recovered at the scene and detectives are searching for this fetus which, according to medical personnel, could survive but will need medical attention immediately.

The investigation is ongoing and detectives urge the public that if they have any information pertaining to this homicide or if they have any information on the infant to contact the Worcester Police Department Detective Bureau at 508-799-8651.