Missing NYC woman's body found in Turkey

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ISTANBUL, Turkey, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- The body an American mother of two who disappeared while visiting Turkey was found Saturday, said authorities, who detained several people for questioning.

Senior police sources told Hurriyet Daily News Sarai Sierra, 33, of New York City, may have been stabbed to death.

Her body was discovered near the city walls in the Sarayburnu district of Istanbul. The newspaper said an autopsy was to be conducted and security forces had detained at least 10 people as they investigate the death Sierra, who had been missing since Jan. 21, the day she was to have flown back to the United States.

Hurriyet said broadcaster NTV reported police found Sierra's driver's license next to the body. Today's Zaman reported investigators also found a blanket, clothes and jewelry.

Sierra had been on vacation alone in Turkey since Jan. 7.

ABC News reported U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, R-N.Y., whose office had been assisting the Sierra family in trying to locate her, said he was "deeply saddened" by the turn of events.

"I urge Turkish officials to move quickly to identify whomever is responsible for her tragic death and ensure that any guilty parties are punished to the fullest extent of the law," he said in a statement.