Chicago police are searching for answers after a 96-year-old woman was found inside a freezer in a garage in the Portage Park neighborhood Monday night.
Officials removed the freezer from the detached rear garage of the two-story apartment residence in the 5500 block of West Melrose Street. Likewise, the officers stationed themselves outside the house to secure the scene and put a crime scene tape on the street.
So far no one is in police custody for their connection to the event, according to CBS News.
As of Monday night, it was not known what led to the body being stored in the garage freezer, and by whom.
The woman’s body was discovered in a state of decomposition in the freezer at 4:33 p.m. She was pronounced dead at the site. A police spokesman said the entire freezer was to be moved to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
Residents of the area were shocked by the discovery and expressed that they did not know that the old woman lived in that house.
“Just a family of three, I guess: a mom, a dad, and their son,” said neighbor Héctor Ramírez, who was surprised by the find.
“I just want to know what happened,” he said. “He’s messed up, honestly, and especially since he’s right next to us.”
Authorities said they are working on an investigation into the woman’s death and did not immediately provide more information about the incident.
The woman’s name was not released as of early Tuesday morning and it is unclear who might be connected to this crime.
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