Rachel Frislid, a 62-year-old Sayville woman, was found dead inside her home Thursday night, prompting a homicide investigation by Suffolk County police.
Frislid was found unconscious by a family member at her home on Pearl Court at about 8:30 p.m. Sept. 3, according to police. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.
Suffolk County Police said investigators believe Frislid was the victim of violence. Police have not publicly released details about the injuries that led to her death.
The investigation took on a more serious turn Friday as detectives continued working at the home. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner and the department’s mobile crime lab were at the scene while investigators processed evidence.
Police Say Attack Was Targeted
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said investigators do not believe the killing was a random attack and that residents of Sayville are not considered to be in danger.
Catalina said authorities were not prepared to publicly discuss possible suspects, but indicated that investigators had a direction in the case.
Police also said there had been no previous domestic violence calls to the residence and that investigators did not find signs of a break-in, according to officials.
As of the latest confirmed information, police had not announced an arrest or publicly identified a suspect.
Community Remembers Frislid
Frislid’s death has left friends, neighbors and colleagues grieving a woman who was well known in the local community.
She was a longtime Sayville resident and businesswoman who took over Academy Tent Rentals in Bohemia after the death of her husband. She was also involved with local community organizations and events.
People who knew Frislid described her as warm, energetic and deeply connected to her family and community. Friends said she had recently been involved in planning a street fair and had been looking forward to spending more time with her family.
Frislid was also associated with the Board of Cooperative Educational Services in Suffolk County and volunteered with Deepwells Farm and local historical organizations.
She had been planning for retirement and hoped to move to Tennessee to be closer to her daughter and grandchild.
Investigation Remains Active
Pearl Court remained an active investigative scene as detectives worked to determine what happened inside the home and identify the person responsible.
Police have asked anyone who may have information about Frislid’s death to contact the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information is expected as detectives continue to develop the case.
