Woman found dead in Long Island home, prompting murder investigation, police say
Police on Long Island launched a murder investigation after a woman was found dead inside her Sayville home.
Rachel Frislid, 62, was found unconscious by a family member inside her home at 8:30 p.m. Thursday on Pearl Court. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives said they believe she was a victim of violence, but they did not provide any details on the nature of Frislid's injuries. It appears detectives know who they are looking for in this tragic case.
"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," Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said. "We do not think this was a random attack. We do believe this was a targeted attack."
Officers said they have had no domestic violence calls to the residence in the past. There was no sign of a break-in.
Anyone with information on this is asked to contact the homicide squad at 631-852-6392.
Neighbors and colleagues are devastated by the loss.
Frislid was a businesswoman, mother and long-time resident on the quiet, dead-end street in the historic hamlet.
"A heart of gold. Nicest woman you could have ever met. I don't understand it," said Eileen Tyznar, president emeritus of the Sayville Chamber of Commerce.
After the death of her husband several years ago, Frislid took over the family business, Academy Tent Rentals of Bohemia.
"Now to hear that she's dead, I'm just, I don't know what to say, I'm heartbroken," said workplace tenant neighbor Peter Woram. "Hopefully they find this animal."
The leaders of the St. James Chamber of Commerce said they were just with Frislid, planning their street fair. They said her energy and positivity was bubbling over.
"She has a beautiful, beautiful family that she always talks about. Her son and her daughter," Tyznar said. "And I hope they catch this person."
Frislid also worked for the Board of Cooperative Education Services in Suffolk County and volunteered at Deepwells Farm and local historical societies. Members call the killing a profound loss.
Frislid had hoped to retire soon and move to Tennessee to be closer to her daughter and grandchild.
