The body of an unidentified woman, believed to be 25–30 years old, was found inside a refrigerator in Rodriguez, Philippines, on Sept. 16 after a landlord reported a foul odor. The victim's partner has been named a person of interest and is in custody, facing a warrant for serious illegal detention. Authorities observed marks consistent with strangulation and estimate the woman had been dead about six to seven days. Investigators say money may be a possible motive and that the refrigerator may have been used to slow decomposition while the suspect evaded capture.
Woman Found Dead Inside Refrigerator in Rodriguez; Partner Held as Person of Interest
The woman who was found dead in the PhilippinesCredit: PNP Rodriguez Municipal Police Station
Police in Rodriguez, Philippines, are investigating after the body of an unidentified woman was discovered inside a refrigerator on Sept. 16 following a landlord's report of a foul odor coming from her apartment.
The Rodriguez Municipal Police (RMP) posted photos of the woman — estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old — to Facebook the day the body was found. Authorities say the victim's father later positively identified her remains after the photos were released. Police have not publicly released the victim's name.
According to local reporting, the landlord first attempted to contact the tenants on Sept. 10 to arrange lease signatures but received no response. The body was discovered after the landlord detected the smell and alerted law enforcement.
Person Of Interest In Custody
A Philippine National Police post asking for information on the woman found deadCredit: PNP Rodriguez Municipal Police Station
Col. Allen Rae Co, spokesman for the Philippine National Police (PNP), told reporters that the victim's partner has been named a person of interest and is currently in custody. Authorities say the person of interest faces an outstanding arrest warrant for serious illegal detention.
"The person of interest has an arrest warrant for serious illegal detention," Col. Allen Rae Co said, according to local outlets.
Police also reported that the deceased had recently returned home after posting bail on the same case involving the person of interest, according to The Manila Times and ABS-CBN.
Forensic examinations reportedly found visible marks consistent with strangulation. Investigators estimate the woman had been dead for approximately six to seven days before discovery. Local authorities believe the body may have been placed in the refrigerator to slow decomposition while the suspect attempted to evade police.
Investigators are also exploring motive. The victim's father told police his daughter was carrying a large sum of money, and authorities say theft or a dispute over money is being considered.
The case remains under active investigation by local and national police units. People magazine has contacted the PNP for comment and local outlets — including ABS-CBN, The Manila Times and PhilStar — have reported updates as the investigation continues.
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