'This a horrible way to die': American tourist murdered while vacationing in Turks and Caicos was STRANGLED near the resort she was staying at, her family reveals

  • Body of 61-year-old Marie Kuhnla was found in bushes near Club Med Resort
  • Heartbroken family members have revealed the victim was strangled to death
  • Kuhnla, of NY, was reported missing on October 15; her body was found next day
  • She was with two women; all three are attorneys for Suffolk County Legal Aid 
  • Co-worker Helma Hermans, who was with her on the trip, called her an 'angel'
  • Kuhnla had worked as a public defender in Long Island, New York, for 15 years 
  • The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating the murder  

By Valerie Edwards and Jessa Schroeder For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

Family members of a New York woman murdered while on a trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands last week revealed she was tragically strangled.

The body of 61-year-old Marie Kuhnla was found in bushes near a popular beach area in Leeward. 

Local police launched a murder investigation, but have not yet released details on any possible suspects or a motive.

Kuhnla's loved confirmed to Long Island News 12 that investigators informed them the woman appeared to have been strangled.

According to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, 911 Central received a call around 7.05am on October 16 about a body near Club Med Resort, where Kuhnla was staying. 

Marie Kuhnla (pictured), 61, was found dead in the bushes near the popular beach resort, Club Med, while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands with two of her co-workers from Suffolk County Legal Aid

Marie Kuhnla (pictured), 61, was found dead in the bushes near the popular beach resort, Club Med, while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands with two of her co-workers from Suffolk County Legal Aid

According to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, 911 Central received a call around 7.05am on October 16 about a body near Club Med Resort, where Kuhnla was staying

According to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, 911 Central received a call around 7.05am on October 16 about a body near Club Med Resort, where Kuhnla was staying

She was pronounced dead at 7.45am. 

Kuhnla, who was a longtime public defender, was reported missing on October 15. 

Kuhnla's co-worker, Helma Hermans, who was with her on the trip, called her an 'angel,' and a 'wonderful person'

Kuhnla's co-worker, Helma Hermans, who was with her on the trip, called her an 'angel,' and a 'wonderful person'

She had been traveling with two other female co-workers, Helma Hermans and Kim Nohilly. They were all attorneys at Suffolk County Legal Aid.

Hermans told News 12: 'This is a horrible way to die. She wouldn't hurt a fly.' 

The victim's co-worker also called Kuhnla an 'angel,' and a 'wonderful person' who 'has helped so many people.' 

According to Kuhnla's son, Rick Kuhnla Jr, his mother spent more than 15 years as a public defender, 'providing legal assistance to those who could not afford it'. 

'She may be gone but the impact she had on the world and inspiration she provided most certainly is not,' Kuhnla Jr said in a statement to ABC News.

He called his mother a 'loving, caring, compassionate woman who I was lucky to have for a mom'. 

Kuhnla, who was a longtime public defender, was reported missing on October 15. According to her son, Rick Kuhnla Jr, his mother spent more than 15 years as a public defender, 'providing legal assistance to those who could not afford it'

Kuhnla, who was a longtime public defender, was reported missing on October 15. According to her son, Rick Kuhnla Jr, his mother spent more than 15 years as a public defender, 'providing legal assistance to those who could not afford it'

In a statement, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said the Kuhnla family is being supported by officers from the department (officers pictured)
Authorities investigating the scene

In a statement, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said the Kuhnla family is being supported by officers from the department (officers pictured) 

In a statement, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said the Kuhnla family is being supported by officers from the department.  

Acting Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting said, 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Marie at this time.'

Botting said an investigation into her murder has been launched, and he urged locals to come forward with any information about her death. 

Contact the investigators from the Serious Crime Unit or you can call in confidence at Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477. 

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