Police continue to investigate mysterious death

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Police continue to investigate the scene of a disturbing discovery in Miami. They're trying to piece together what happened to an elderly woman, found dead in her home.

Police said the woman in her early 80's, Carmen Diaz was found by her son, wrapped in a blanket in the bathroom floor Friday afternoon. Her body was decomposed but detectives couldn't say how long she had been there. "There is glass broken inside the home," said Miami Police Officer Kenia Reyes.

Her body was taken out of the place she called home for over 50 years, at 1 Northwest 34th Street and First Avenue. "It appears to detectives that it is suspicious," said Reyes, "because we see that it's been partially ransacked and the way she was found."

Police said it is too early to determine whether this crime was a murder, but neighbors cannot understand how this could happen to Carmen. "I used to walk through and see her," said Frank Guerra, "and she would just be sitting there or doing something in her yard. But she was not the type of lady to do something bad to anybody."

The long-time resident touched the lives of the people around her while she was alive, some even called her mom. "I feel bad," said Peter Lizano. "Now, that means, I don't have no mom. She was like my mom."

Others who have known Carmen their entire lives do not understand how this could have happened. "I knew her for over 20 years," said Carmen Garcia. "I was actually raised here. When I moved into this neighborhood I met her. As a matter of fact, her name is Carmita. She has my same name."

Her cause of death has still not been determined. The medical examiner's office will determine whether the woman's death was a homicide.

Detectives said they will try and piece together whether it was a robbery or a burglary to find out if anybody ransacked her home before or after her death.

If you have any information on this mystery, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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