A woman found dead under a pallet in Frankford last year has been identified; her family seeks to share her story.

In June, the lifeless body of a young woman was discovered in Frankford, Pennsylvania, concealed beneath a wooden pallet in a neglected lot. The victim, who had only a crystal pendant necklace adorning her modest sports bra, was found with a gunshot wound to the head. Unfortunately, the ravages of time and heat left her almost unrecognizable, compounding the tragedy of her untimely demise.

Detective Richard Bova, who heads the homicide investigation, was faced with an initial obstacle: the victim’s identity. For a grueling 90 days, the absence of this crucial detail hampered the investigation. Establishing a victim’s identity is critical in homicide cases, allowing detectives to piece together the deceased’s last moments and the motivations behind their death. In pursuit of answers, Bova and his partner reviewed surveillance footage, scrutinized missing persons reports, and followed every lead with tenacity.

Meanwhile, in Northeast Philadelphia, Olga Sarancha was frantic after losing contact with her 22-year-old daughter, Anastasiya Stangret. Struggling with opioid addiction, Stangret had not reached out in weeks. The concerned family attempted to file a missing persons report, only to be repeatedly dismissed by authorities, who suggested they search known drug areas instead. This family dynamic is reflective of the systemic issues often faced by vulnerable individuals and their loved ones.

As days turned into weeks, it was not until mid-September that Sarancha successfully reported her daughter missing. By this point, vital evidence had likely been lost, as surveillance footage refreshes every 30 days, and critical data tied to the case was more complicated to retrieve. Detective Bova, after finally learning the identity of the victim, threw himself into the case with renewed vigor, yet challenges remained. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, hundreds of homicides in Philadelphia linger without resolution, creating an atmosphere of despair for grieving families.

Detective Bova has a primary suspect, a 58-year-old man with an extensive criminal history who reportedly had a troubling relationship with Stangret. However, circumstantial evidence remains the obstacle to obtaining an arrest warrant. The ongoing investigation continues to seek witnesses who could provide essential details about that fateful night. Meanwhile, the Stangret family grapples with unimaginable grief, seeking closure amid the uncertainty of justice.

As a testament to the resilience of both families and law enforcement, this case highlights the often-overlooked struggles faced by individuals battling addiction and the implications on families and communities. Detective Bova, who is deeply affected by this case, emphasizes the ongoing need for patience and community assistance in securing justice. A ,000 reward is currently offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction, underscoring the urgency for anyone who might possess critical knowledge related to this tragic event.