The family of Karen Sackett, a 47-year-old woman from New Rochelle, is searching for answers after her tragic death was found inside Iona University campus housing earlier this month.
Sackett was found dead on November 4, three days after she is believed to have passed away on her birthday, November 1. According to her family, her death was anything but natural, as they believe she met a violent end.
Sackett’s brother-in-law, Rick Diaz, has publicly stated that “there was evidence at the scene that she did not die a natural death. She died a horrific death.” Karen Sackett had been living in campus housing at Iona University, though she was reportedly in the process of being evicted at the time of her death.
According to Diaz, Sackett had been involved in a troubled and abusive relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who also worked at the university. Diaz claims that Sackett had been in constant fear for her life and had confided in family members about the abusive relationship.
The situation was allegedly complicated further by claims that Sackett's ex-boyfriend was dealing drugs from the residence and had physically assaulted her on previous occasions. Diaz’s account paints a picture of a woman trapped in a dangerous and volatile environment.
While Diaz believes that Sackett's death was the result of foul play, the authorities seem to be taking a different view. New Rochelle police have stated that they were not aware of any previous calls to the residence related to incidents involving Sackett or her ex-boyfriend.
They have also indicated that the death appears to be of natural causes. However, Sackett’s family disputes this conclusion and has provided a copy of her death certificate, which notes that the cause of death is still pending further studies.
The family is frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. “The death isn’t even being investigated. They’ve pretty much written it off,” Diaz says, expressing his belief that the authorities, as well as Iona University, have failed to take the matter seriously.
Iona University, where Sackett had been residing, issued a statement regarding her passing. The university acknowledged her death, but emphasized that Sackett was “not affiliated with the university.”
The statement expressed sympathy, offering “prayers and condolences,” but stopped short of addressing any possible connection between Sackett’s death and her living situation on campus.
The family, on the other hand, believes that the university may have overlooked or ignored the troubling dynamics of Sackett's relationship, especially given that her ex-boyfriend was employed there.
Diaz suspects that the university may be attempting to cover up what they consider to be a preventable tragedy. “We want someone to look into this,” Diaz urged. “There’s just so many unanswered questions.”
As the investigation into Karen Sackett’s death continues, her family remains determined to seek justice and uncover the truth behind her untimely passing.
A funeral service for Sackett was held last week, but the lingering uncertainty about the cause of her death and the circumstances surrounding it has left her family with more questions than answers.
They continue to fight for a thorough investigation, hoping to bring closure and accountability to a situation that has left them devastated and searching for the truth.
