A 62-year-old grandmother and business owner was found murdered in a violent, targeted attack inside her Sayville, Long Island home on Thursday evening, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.
Authorities were alerted around 8:30 p.m. when a family member discovered Rachel Frislid unconscious in her residence. Homicide detectives confirmed she was a victim of violence but did not specify the nature of her injuries. "A family member found her, and it was a short time after the assault occurred," Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina stated.
Police emphasized that the attack appears to be targeted and that residents have nothing to fear, as there is no indication of random violence. "We do not think this was a random attack. We do believe this was a targeted attack," Catalina said, adding that the department is not yet ready to discuss suspects.
Frislid was described by neighbors and colleagues as a beloved figure with a "heart of gold." She was the owner of Academy Tent Rentals of Bohemia, taking over the family business after her husband's death several years ago. She was also a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and had been involved in local business organizations, including helping to plan a street fair for the St. James Chamber of Commerce. She also worked for the Board of Cooperative Educational Services in Suffolk County and volunteered with local historical societies.
Friends and neighbors expressed shock and heartbreak over her death. "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. "She has a beautiful, beautiful family that she always talks about. Her son and her daughter."
Frislid had been planning to retire soon and move to Tennessee to be closer to her daughter and grandchild. Anyone with information regarding the homicide is urged to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.