TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa police are investigating a homicide after a woman was found dead inside an abandoned car Monday morning.
- Neighbor found car behind vacant home
- Family believes death linked to armed robbery that occurred nearby
- More Hillsborough County news
Neighbor Essie Harrison said she saw the car behind a vacant home off of 43rd Street in East Tampa and called police.
"I saw at the corner of the house, a car sticking out, the front end and that's unusual because no one lives over there so I was like, 'hmmmm,'" Harrison said.
Family members said the victim, who Tampa Police have not identified, was last seen Saturday night. They said it was unlike her to stay away from the family for that long.
"She’s nice. she’s friendly," said the victim's cousin.
The family believes the woman's death is linked to an armed robbery that happened at a meat market nearby. In that robbery, police are looking for a suspect that the victim used to date.
When asked whether there was a connection, Tampa police didn't rule it out.
"Right now, nothing is off the table," said Tampa police spokeswoman Jamel Laneé.
Laneé added this was not a random act.
Police have not disclosed a suspect or a motive. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers.