FBI investigating NYC woman’s death in Istanbul

U.S. investigators were invited by Turkish authorities to assist as they try to find out what happened to Sarai Sierra

February 08, 2013 12:37 PM

Police forensics search for missing New York City woman Sarai Sierra near the remnants of some ancient city walls in low-income district of Sarayburnu in Istanbul, Turkey.

Associated Press

NEW YORK — A U.S. congressman says the FBI is playing a significant role in the investigation into the death of a New York City woman found dead in Istanbul while on a solo vacation.

Rep. Michael Grimm, a former FBI agent, says U.S. investigators were invited by Turkish authorities to assist as they try to find out what happened to Sarai Sierra. The 33-year-old mother of two went missing Jan. 21. Her body was found 12 days later.

Grimm and Sierra’s parents, Betzaida and Dennis Jimenez, say the family’s immediate concern is returning Sierra’s body to the U.S.

Her husband, Steven, is in Turkey. He intends to accompany her body, but the family is still determining how to fund the transport.

Grimm says the family’s priority is bringing her home.