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Police: Woman Found In Car Died Of Blunt Trauma

OPA LOCKA (CBSMiami) -- Miami-Dade Police said Wednesday a woman found dead in a car in Opa Locka earlier this month was savagely beaten to death.

The Medical Examiner's report ruled the death of Sandra Santiesteban, 49, as a homicide and said she died of blunt trauma.

Her body was discovered inside a 2005 gold Honda Accord near N.W.135th Street and N.W. 26th Court on the afternoon of July 10th.

Click here to watch Gary Nelson's report.

Santiesteban had recently arrived from Cuba and had not yet even gotten a driver's license.

She lived in an apartment complex in Little Havana.  Neighbors said she had a boyfriend and think she worked at a liquor store.

Santiesteban's neighbor, Zulma Tores knew her in passing and found her passing disturbing.

"It's terrible.  It's terrible," said Tores.

Police have not determined who the car belonged to.

Investigators are asking for the public's help in obtaining more information.

"Our detectives are requesting the help of the community in identifying anybody that could have seen anything or possible knows anything about this case," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Robin Pinkard.

Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at (305) 471-TIPS. Those who call can remain anonymous.

The tipster may be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000 if the tip leads to an arrest.

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