Woman found dead in Sayville home, Long Island murder probe launched

Rachel Frislid, 62, was found unresponsive in her Sayville home Thursday evening. Police say the attack was targeted, not random.

Murder investigation opened after Sayville woman found dead at home

Google News MT — Crime (en) reports that Suffolk County police have opened a murder investigation after Rachel Frislid, 62, was discovered unconscious inside her Pearl Court home in Sayville, Long Island, at 8:30 p.m. Thursday. A family member found her; first responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

Homicide Squad detectives said they believe Frislid was a victim of violence, though they declined to specify the nature of her injuries. Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina told reporters the investigation is advancing with a clear direction.

"We are not ready to discuss any kind of suspects in this yet, but I will say that the residents of this town, Sayville, really have nothing to fear regarding this attack," Catalina said. "We do not think this was a random attack. We do believe this was a targeted attack."

Officers confirmed there had been no prior domestic violence calls to the residence and no signs of forced entry.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.

Frislid was a businesswoman, mother, and long-time resident on the quiet, dead-end street in the historic hamlet. After the death of her husband several years ago, she took over the family business, Academy Tent Rentals of Bohemia.

Eileen Tyznar, president emeritus of the Sayville Chamber of Commerce, described her as someone who embodied warmth. "A heart of gold. Nicest woman you could have ever met. I don't understand it," Tyznar said.

Peter Woram, a workplace neighbour, said he was at a loss for words. "Now to hear that she's dead, I'm just, I don't know what to say, I'm heartbroken. Hopefully they find this animal."

Leaders of the St. James Chamber of Commerce said they had only recently been with Frislid, planning an upcoming street fair, and described her energy as infectious. Frislid also worked for the Board of Cooperative Education Services in Suffolk County and volunteered at Deepwells Farm and with local historical societies.

She had been looking forward to retirement and had planned to relocate to Tennessee to be closer to her daughter and grandchild.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)