SANFORD, Fla. – Sanford police are continuing to investigate after a woman in her late 60s was found dead inside her home Friday evening.
According to Sanford police, officers responded to a home near Clairmont Avenue and Terrace Avenue after a family member reported finding the woman dead. Police have not released her identity or said how she died, describing the investigation as active and ongoing.
Neighbors said the usually quiet street was filled with emergency responders for hours Friday night.
“This is a very, very quiet block,” neighbor Renee Housin said. “To see fire rescue rolling down the street and then to see police cars coming in from both ways ... the big crime scene van, the coroner van eventually, and animal control.”
Housin, who has lived on the street for nearly three years, said she had never seen anyone regularly coming or going from the home.
“I’ve never seen anybody go in the house. I’ve never seen anybody come out the house,” Housin said. “She’s known as the cat lady, but I’ve never seen anybody at that residence at all.”
News 6 returned to the home Saturday and knocked on the front door, but no one answered.
Police confirmed Saturday morning that, as part of the investigation, Seminole County Animal Control removed eight cats and one dog from the home.
Neighbors say they are hoping investigators provide more information as the case moves forward.
“I definitely want answers because I live here,” Housin said. “This is a very quiet block. No activity happens on this block.”
Sanford police have not said whether they believe the woman’s death is suspicious.
News 6 has also asked police whether anyone has been arrested in connection with the investigation and whether any additional animals were found inside the home. As of Saturday evening, those questions had not been answered.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.