Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina assured Sayville residents they have nothing to fear after a 62-year-old grandmother was killed in what detectives believe was a targeted assault inside her own home.
Rachel Frislid, 62, was discovered unconscious by a family member at her Pearl Court residence around 8:30 p.m. On Thursday, according to the Suffolk County Police Department. Homicide detectives confirmed she was a “victim of violence” but have not disclosed the nature of her injuries.
“A family member found her, and it was a short time after the assault occurred,” Catalina said in a statement to WABC.
Frislid had deep roots in the community and an extensive history of professional and volunteer work. After her husband died several years ago, she took over Academy Tent Rentals of Bohemia, the family business. Her LinkedIn profile shows she earned an associate’s degree in advertising from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She also worked for the Board of Cooperative Education Services in Suffolk County and gave her time to Deepwells Farm and local historical societies.
Eileen Tyznar, president emeritus of the Sayville Chamber of Commerce, remembered Frislid as a woman who put family first.
“She has a beautiful, beautiful family that she always talks about. Her son and her daughter,” Tyznar said. “And I hope they catch this person.”
Tyznar also spoke to the quality of Frislid’s character, telling the outlet, “A heart of gold. Nicest woman you could have ever met. I don’t understand it.”
Frislid’s recent activities showed no sign of slowing down. She had been working with leaders of the St. James Chamber of Commerce to help plan their street fair, according to reports. Colleagues described her as bubbly and engaged in community life.
Peter Woram, a workplace tenant neighbor, expressed shock and grief at the loss.
“Now to hear that she’s dead, I’m just, I don’t know what to say, I’m heartbroken,” Woram said. “Hopefully they find this animal.”
Frislid had been looking toward a major life change. She hoped to retire soon and relocate to Tennessee, where she could live closer to her daughter and grandchild, according to reports. The plan underscored the family-centered life that friends and associates consistently described.
Police have launched a murder investigation and emphasized that the public is not at risk.
“We are not ready to discuss any kind of suspects in this yet, but I will say that the residents of this town, Sayville, really have nothing to fear regarding this attack,” Catalina said.
“We do not think this was a random attack. We do believe this was a targeted attack,” he added.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Frislid’s murder to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.