UPDATE (1:30 PM) -- The cause of death of Keli Collins was ruled a "ligature strangulation homicide" according to the Corning Police Department. An autopsy was performed at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton.

The murder investigation will continue.

CORNING, NY (WENY) -- A Corning man is charged with second degree murder, after a woman was found unresponsive in an apartment at Walter Smith Terrace early Friday morning.

Corning officers were dispatched to an apartment at the complex, which is formerly known as Stewart Park apartments, for a report of an unresponsive female, who has been identified as 26-year-old Keli Collins.  Officers began administering life-saving measures, along with city firefighters and first responders with AMR ambulance. Despite their efforts, Collins died. 

Police say Collins car was stolen after the murder, and issued a lookout for the vehicle. Hornell Police located the vehicle shortly after 2AM, and arrested 29-year-old Brett Heffner of Corning without incident. Corning police charged him with second degree murder. 

Authorities say Heffner also lived at Walter Smith Terrace apartments, but in a separate building in the complex. Police say the investigation shows Heffner attacked Collins inside her apartment.

Corning Police, Hornell Police, New York State Police, and the Steuben County Sheriff's Office are all involved in the homicide investigation, 

Heffner was arraigned in Corning City Court Friday morning at 10AM, and sent to the Steuben County Jail. He is scheduled to back in court on August 9th at 8:30AM.

Brett Heffner, charged with 2nd degree murder in death of Keli Collins
Brett Heffner, charged with 2nd degree murder in death of Keli Collins