New Rochelle police are providing fresh details in a death investigation that has aroused considerable concern after a 47-year-old Westchester dental hygienist was discovered severely decomposed inside an Iona University-owned residence.
Karen Sackett, a long-time resident of President Street in New Rochelle, was found dead on November 4. Her family claims she resided in the house for seven years with her ex-boyfriend, who worked for the Iona, and that Karen was being evicted by the university.
Police have revealed to News 12 for the first time that Sackett appears to have died alone, and they have confirmed that her ex has been out of state since August. They also claim that CCTV video from the residence shows nothing untoward.
Authorities have stated from the start that Sackett died of natural causes, but family members have expressed concerns to News 12 about several alleged details in the case, including how the home was scrubbed clean of any trace of Karen within days of her death, and people have come forward claiming she was allegedly living in a domestic violence relationship.
Loved ones begged authorities to look into the matter further, and police have promised them that it is being investigated since the issue became public. “We have received communication from the New Rochelle Police Department that they are investigating the situation.
“Partly because of the tremendous response from your viewing audience,” says Sackett’s brother-in-law, Rick Diaz. “We’re feeling a little more hopeful now.” Diaz claims Sackett died after exhibiting severe intestinal problems, but the medical examiner says she was healthy.
“Whatever caused her distress began downstairs, possibly in the kitchen. She walked through the home, up the stairs to the bathroom and the bedroom. This is someone who was moving through the house in different rooms with awareness,” Diaz says. Police are awaiting toxicology results to determine how Sackett died.
According to an Iona University representative, Sackett was discovered by campus security while investigating an eviction notice, and the circumstances inside the home were “highly unsanitary,” necessitating the university’s hiring of an outside cleaning company.
The representative did not comment on the Sackett family’s claims that her items were taken and hidden from her next of kin. Iona claims the condition at the residence never posed a threat to the campus community.