Miami PD: Video taken minutes before doctor entered Dollar Tree freezer is key evidence in victim’s death investigation

Mental illness ruled out as factor in death of Dr. Massiell Garay Sanchez, officer says

MIAMI — The family of a woman found dead inside a Miami Dollar Tree freezer last month has shared video evidence with detectives that shows the victim just minutes before she entered the freezer, a Miami police officer told Local 10 on Tuesday.

The officer said the victim’s family has fully cooperated with investigators from the start and noted that the medical examiner’s report is expected to confirm what appears in the video.

Police did not release specific details about the footage showing Dr. Massiell Garay Sanchez, 32, an anesthesiologist originally from Nicaragua, but confirmed that mental illness was not a factor in her death.

According to Miami police, Garay Sanchez was found dead on the morning of Dec. 14 inside a freezer at the Dollar Tree located at 968 SW Eighth St.

Investigators said she entered the store on her own the night before and did not purchase anything.

Police believe she walked into a restricted employee-only area where the freezer was located and remained there overnight. Employees discovered her unresponsive body when they returned to the area the next morning.

The officer who spoke with Local 10 said the freezer door was not blocked while Garay Sanchez was inside and that it was equipped with an emergency release that allowed it to be opened from the inside.

Although the investigation is ongoing, police ruled out foul play early, stating that she was not forced into the freezer.

As of Tuesday, Garay Sanchez’s manner and cause of death remain pending.

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