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A 15-year-old boy was being questioned after a Chicago police officer was found dead behind her home, authorities said today.

The officer was found a little before noon in the 8800 block of South Wallace Street, according to police.

The death was believed to be domestic-related, police said. The officer apparently had been beaten.

Law enforcement sources said the body was found in a sewer trap behind the house.

Hester Scott, of 8800 block of South Wallace Street, was declared dead on the scene at 4:25 p.m., according to a spokesman for the medical examiner’s office.

She was believed to have died from trauma, but an autopsy was scheduled for Saturday.

A statement from News Affairs confirmed the officer was 55 years old and had 25 years on the job.

A Chicago police officer who came to the scene said she had worked with Scott for more than 20 years.

"She was a wonderful person with a great personality," said Officer Willia Robinson. "It has literally not settled in yet."

The News Affairs statement said officers were called about 11:50 a.m. for a report of an open door at the home and later found the body. A person of interest was being questioned, according to the statement.

Neighbors said Scott had lived in her two-story home for about 20 years.

Wilbert Grant, 92, said several grandchildren currently resided with her in the home.

"She was nice and very friendly," he said.

This afternoon Wallace Street was blocked off by five Chicago Fire Department vehicles -- engines and trucks -- and several police cars between 88th and 89th streets.

A police forensics services van was stationed in front of the officer's home, which was cordoned off with red tape.