Sarai Sierra Found Stabbed Dead: New York Woman Murdered During Photography Trip To Turkey

Sarai Sierra, a 33-year-old mother of two, was found dead in Turkey after an Istanbul unit set up a special unit to find her. Her body was discovered Saturday night near ancient city walls, and is believed to be stabbed to death.

According to Laura Wells of CBS reports, nine people who were detained were there at the scene when her body was recovered. Authorities claim that she had been stabbed and was left by the city walls.

The young New York woman traveled to Istanbul for her photography hobby and was originally suppose to travel with a friend until they cancelled. Sierra had planned to travel to Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Munich, Germany.

The victim was last in contact with friends and family on January 21, and was schedule to head back to New York that day. She informed her family that she would take more photos and visit the Galata Bridge.

Sierra's body was found several kilometers away from the bridge near a major road by the Sea of Marmara, according to CBS. Officers stopped traffic to continue forensic inspection. Anadolu Agency suspects that she may have been killed in another location before being dropped off by the walls.

A Turkish man had been in contact with Sierra and was said to meet up with the photographer on the Galata Bridge, but the man claims the meeting never happened. A special unit was set up by Turkey in order to expand the search for Sierra. Her husband, Steven, and brother, David Jimenez, had traveled to Istanbul to help in the search.