American Tourist Murdered in Turks and Caicos

An American tourist visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands was murdered after her body was found Tuesday.

According to The Associated Press, police revealed the body of 61-year-old Marie Kuhnla was discovered in the bushes near a resort in the popular beach area of Leeward and she was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have offered their support to Kuhnla’s family as they continue their investigation. The United States Department of State is also aware of the murder and offered condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

Kuhnla was staying at Club Med during her visit to the Caribbean island.

“While I understand the focus of this story is on the circumstances surrounding my mother’s death, I would like to take a moment to focus on her life,” Kuhnla’s son, Rick Kuhnla Jr. said in a statement. “If she saw someone who needed help she would help them … My mom frequently visited her elderly mother, taking her out to eat and keeping her company. She went back to school later in life to earn her law degree and spent over 15 years as a public defender, providing legal assistance to those who could not afford it.”

“She was a wonderful woman who brightened the day of everyone who knew her and many who didn’t. She may be gone but the impact she had on the world and inspiration she provided most certainly is not,” Kuhnla continued.