‘She died a horrific death.’ Family seeks answers after woman found dead inside Iona University campus housing
Karen Sackett is believed to have died Nov. 1, on her 47th birthday, but was found three days later by a university employee, according to her family.
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The family of a deceased New Rochelle woman is searching for answers after she was found dead this month inside Iona University campus housing.
Karen Sackett is believed to have died Nov. 1, on her 47th birthday, but was found three days later by a university employee, according to her family.
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“There was evidence at the scene that she did not die a natural death. She died a horrific death,” says Sackett’s brother-in-law Rick Diaz.
Diaz says Sackett was found dead inside her bedroom while Iona University was in the process of evicting her from campus housing. He claims she lived there in a troubled relationship with her ex-boyfriend who worked at the university.
“She was in fear of her life,” says Diaz. He also went on to say that the ex-boyfriend was allegedly dealing drugs out of the house and had physically assaulted her. Diaz provided News 12 with photos of Sackett with a bruised hand, bruised fingers and chunks of her hair ripped out.
News 12 hasn’t been able to get in contact with Sackett’s former boyfriend and is not naming him since he hasn’t been charged with any wrongdoing.
New Rochelle police say they are not aware of any prior calls to the residence and that the death remains under investigation. They say it appears Sackett died of natural causes.
Her family, however, doesn’t believe that and gave News 12 her death certificate that says the cause is pending further studies.
“The death isn’t even being investigated. They’ve pretty much written it off,” Diaz says.
Iona University issued a statement saying Sackett “[…] was not affiliated with the university however we mourn the loss of all life and extend our prayers and condolences.”
A funeral service for Sackett was held last week.
Diaz believes the university turned a blind eye to alleged problems between the couple and is covering up her death.
“We want someone to look into this,” Diaz says. “There’s just so many unanswered questions.”
