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The death of a family lawyer from Long Island near a hotel complex in Turks and Caicos Islands last week, is under investigation for murder, announced the local police.
Marie Kuhnla was staying at Club Med in this Caribbean country, the company said. The US State Department has confirmed the death of a US citizen. The public records list a woman named Marie Kuhnla, 62, with an address in Wantagh.
Kuhnla was reported missing on October 15, the Turks and Caicos Islands police force said on Monday. His body was found in the bushes near Club Med the next morning around 7:05 am and his death was pronounced at 7:45 am, they said. The police registered his age at 61 years.
"We are all incredulous, shocked and stunned," said his 57-year-old brother, Peter John Chetuck, of Mount Sinai.
"She was a wonderful woman, a wonderful mother, a great family member," said Chetuck. "She did everything right, the virgin house, the big proverbial neighbor, and a member of the community."
Club Med Resort, called Turkoise, is located near Grace Bay in Providenciales, an island in the northwest of the country known for its clear waters and beaches. In January, the State Department warned travelers to "be extra careful" in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The location of the islands, about 600 km southeast of Miami, has helped the tourism sector grow, experts said.
Kuhnla was traveling with a colleague and one or two others, said Chetuck. Her friends tried to report her as a missing person Sunday, but the local police told them that they would have to wait 24 hours to file a report, he said.
"At that point, it would seem that his friends and the Club Med people are doing their own work by helping to research," Chetuck said. And since then, the authorities have been "very, very shy".
The Turks and Caicos Islands Police could be contacted for comment.
Kuhnla's son, Rick Kuhnla Jr., said in a statement to ABC Eyewitness News that his mother had graduated in law later in life and had worked for more than 15 years as a public defender.
"Although I understand that this story focuses on the circumstances surrounding the death of my mother, I would like to take a moment to talk about his life," he said in a statement. "She was an affectionate, caring and compassionate woman that I was fortunate to have for a mother.If she saw anyone who needed help, she would have them." help. "
Marie Kuhnla was working as a lawyer with Suffolk County's Legal Aid Society Family Court, trial director Bryan Browns said.
"She had a very good reputation" helping families, Browns said.
The State Department said it was monitoring the local authorities' investigation into the cause of death.
"We offer our most sincere condolences to family and friends for their loss," the department said in a statement. "We provide all the appropriate help to the family."
In its January statement, the State Department said, "Violent crimes, such as armed robbery, shootings and home invasions, are commonplace." Police presence and interventions Urgency are extremely limited. "
Club Med, a major international tourism company, said in a statement that "local authorities have given no indication that there is a permanent threat to our customers or our staff".
"The whole Club Med family is saddened by the death of this guest and sends his deepest condolences to his friends and family," the statement said. "The safety and well-being of all our customers remains our top priority."
The Nassau County Police made no comment.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary's family and friends at this time," said Trevor Botting, Acting Commissioner of Turks and Caicos Islands Police, in a statement posted on the Facebook page. "This is an active investigation into Mary's death."
Police have asked anyone with information to contact the Serious Crime Unit or call Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos at 800-8477.
"I would also like to ask that the circumstances of Mary's death not be subject to speculation, but any information is passed on to my officers," Botting said.
Chetuck said his older sister was one of the hardest and most "smart books" workers he's ever known.
"It helps people who can not help themselves, what can you say about it, it was just her," Chetuck said.
Chetuck said he came from a family of five, along with two other brothers and two sisters. "I will always have two sisters," he said.
