Police confirmed that the discovery was made on Sunday morning at a store located in the Little Havana area. An employee arriving to open the business around 8 a.m. alerted authorities after finding a deceased woman inside a freezer located in the stockroom.
The woman was later identified as Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez. Investigators said she was found inside the walk-in freezer or cooler area, which is typically restricted to staff.
Law enforcement sources indicated that Sanchez was unclothed at the time she was discovered. Audio from police dispatch communications referenced a “naked female” found inside the cooler.
Authorities stated that preliminary reviews of surveillance footage have not revealed any evidence of foul play. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet determined why Sanchez entered the stockroom or how she came to be inside the freezer.
Sanchez was a medical doctor specializing in anesthesiology, with a focus on congenital heart disease. She was originally from Nicaragua, where her two children reside.
Family members and friends have since launched fundraising efforts to repatriate her remains to Nicaragua for burial. According to those close to her, the family hopes to lay her to rest in her home country surrounded by loved ones.
The store temporarily closed while investigators examined the scene but later resumed operations. No official statement has been issued by the company regarding the incident.
Police say further details will be released once the investigation is complete.
Law enforcement sources indicated that Sanchez was unclothed at the time she was discovered. Audio from police dispatch communications referenced a “naked female” found inside the cooler.
Authorities stated that preliminary reviews of surveillance footage have not revealed any evidence of foul play. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet determined why Sanchez entered the stockroom or how she came to be inside the freezer.
Sanchez was a medical doctor specializing in anesthesiology, with a focus on congenital heart disease. She was originally from Nicaragua, where her two children reside.
Family members and friends have since launched fundraising efforts to repatriate her remains to Nicaragua for burial. According to those close to her, the family hopes to lay her to rest in her home country surrounded by loved ones.
The store temporarily closed while investigators examined the scene but later resumed operations. No official statement has been issued by the company regarding the incident.
Police say further details will be released once the investigation is complete.
