Missing NYC mom found dead in Turkey

The body of a New York woman who went missing while on vacation in Turkey has been found, reports CNN.

Sarai Sierra, 33, went missing while in traveling alone in Istanbul nearly two weeks ago. Her body was found near ancient stone walls in Istanbul’s Sarayburnu district and CNN Turk reported that the body showed signs of stab wounds.

Sierra’s family, including her husband Steven Sierra, was informed of the death on Saturday and were awaiting a briefing from the FBI, reports the New York Times.

The mother of two from New York City failed to show up at the airport on her scheduled return flight on January 22, setting off a panic among family and and a search by American and Turkish authorities.

NBC reports that Sierra last had contact with her family on Jan. 21, the day before she was supposed to fly home after a two-week vacation.

Sierra visited the Netherlands and Munich, Germany before arriving in Turkey to pursue her photography hobby.

An account on the photo sharing website Instagram showcased Sierra’s photographs of New York City and had more than 3,700 followers.

At least nine people were detained and questioned by police including another photographer with whom Sierra had exchanged Internet messages and planned to meet.

Turkish media have named the man as Taylan. According to the New York Times he was the last person to correspond with Sierra the day she went missing. He was questioned by the police and released, according to the local reports.