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Miami, FL - A woman was discovered dead inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood on Sunday, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to Miami Dade Police, an employee contacted authorities after finding the woman inside one of the store’s commercial freezers shortly before the business opened.
Responding officers secured the scene and began gathering evidence while detectives worked to determine how the woman entered the freezer and what factors may have contributed to her death.
Police have classified the case as an unclassified death, a designation used when the cause and manner of death have not yet been established.
Officials have not released the woman’s identity and have not confirmed how long she may have been inside the freezer before being found.
Investigators reported that no immediate signs of foul play were observed at the scene, but the investigation remains active as detectives review surveillance footage, interview employees and examine forensic evidence.
Authorities are also working to identify the woman and notify next of kin.
The Miami Dade Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Police have not announced any suspects, arrests or allegations of criminal activity connected to the case at this time.
The Dollar Tree location remained temporarily closed as the investigation continued.
Officials are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact law enforcement as they work to establish a timeline and determine the events leading up to the discovery.
