Woman dies inside clothing drop-off box

A Staten Island woman who had climbed into a clothing drop-off box died after the container's door fell on her neck.

Authorities say Melissa Mazzeo climbed into the container on Saturday to get some garments.

Neighbors say the woman, 51, would walk around the area with a shopping cart, scavenging for clothing and other items.

Police say she was awaiting a court appearance on charges linked to items allegedly stolen from a bagel shop near the drop box.

Peter Schenck, who does maintenance work for the shop, tells the Staten Island Advance that her death was the most "bizarre thing" he'd ever seen.

About five years ago, a fire ripped through the house where Mazzeo lived with her 12-year-old son.

-- AP