Miami police are investigating after a woman was found dead in a freezer at a Dollar Tree location on Sunday morning. Authorities say the body was discovered around 8 a.m. by an employee at the store located at 968 SW Eighth Street.
The woman was later identified as 32-year-old Massiell Garay Sanchez. According to investigators, surveillance footage shows she entered the store alone the night before her body was found. She did not make any purchases and was not employed by the store.
Police believe Garay Sanchez gained access to a restricted area of the store where the freezer is located. She was found dead in a freezer the following morning by staff. Officials have ruled out foul play, stating there was no indication that she was forced into the freezer.
Garay Sanchez, originally from Nicaragua, was an anesthesiologist and a mother of two. A GoFundMe page has been set up by her family to help with the costs of transporting her body back to her home country.
Detectives remained at the scene for several hours as family members gathered outside, seeking answers. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office removed the body for further investigation.
Police say the death is currently classified as “unclassified” and continue to examine whether mental health factors may have played a role. Despite the ongoing investigation, officials reiterated there was no sign of a struggle or forced entry into the freezer.
Customers expressed shock over the incident, with one local resident, Gerardo Nunez, calling it a painful event for the family and community.
The Dollar Tree store delayed opening until approximately 1 p.m. while authorities completed their on-site investigation. The company released a statement saying they are cooperating fully with law enforcement and extended condolences to the woman’s family.
This marks the third confirmed instance in the U.S. this year of a person found dead in a freezer, though details in this case remain limited as the investigation continues.