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Police ID Plastic Wrapped Body Found In Homestead

HOMESTEAD (CBSMiami) – The investigation continues into how a woman's body, which was wrapped in plastic, ended up near a vacant lot in Homestead early Monday morning.

On Wednesday, Miami-Dade police announced that the body was that of 29-year Phyllis Cotton who they believe was homeless. Cotton's body was found next to a pick up truck parked next to a home at NW 7th Street and SW 320th Avenue.

The owner of the property said someone had stolen his truck. He called police to report it. When it mysteriously re-appeared, the body was there. He said he discovered the plastic wrapped body with police officers by his side. He added that he thinks it's some sort of retaliation against him, but wouldn't elaborate.

The man's neighbors said they're upset that something like this happened.

"I was thinking about where I live. You know, I don't have gates or anything. It could happen there," said neighbor Diana Rodriguez. "I just see a lot of people hanging out that look a little creepy and you don't know what they're going to do."

Residents who live in the neighborhood said that there is a lot of gang activity in the area but police have not said if they suspect this is gang related.

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