The 24-year-old’s body was found on the east shoulder of Glenville Road, just north of Stillman Lane. She was found at the scene inside a suitcase with her hands and feet bound. She was reported missing to the New Rochelle Police Department on Jan. 30 and had last been seen the day before.
The community has expressed shock and sadness on social media in response to the grievous discovery and announcement.
“Oh my goodness I was praying for this family,” Bernadette McNamara posted on Facebook. “May she Rest In Peace and those responsible be caught immediately.”
“Beautiful young life cut so brutally short,” Joan Cassidy Gottlieb added. “My condolences to her family.”
"Rip my young artist friend," wrote Michael Falotico
One Twitter user wrote, “I’m so speechless. It’s one thing to lose a loved one but to lose them like this. I can’t even begin to imagine. Valerie was a beautiful person inside and out. No one deserves this and especially not her. Prayers to the Reyes family.”
“So much evil in this world,” Melissa Prov posted. “So sad! My condolences to her family and friends.”
"Very heartbreaking and disturbing. I pray that they find her killer. I was sickened to hear about the town employee that found her and took pictures of her and the crime scene. Heartless and so sick..." Wendy Cecio said.I" hope he loses his job. Justice needs to be served! My heart goes out to this poor girl's family during this tragic time. Terrible things continue to happen in this world. Something needs to be done ... this insanity needs to stop!"
Her employer, Barnes & Noble, also issued a statement following the identification of the body.
“The entire Barnes & Noble community is grieving the loss of our beloved employee Valerie Reyes. She worked in our Barnes & Noble Eastchester store since it opened two-and-a-half years ago. Our hearts go out to her friends, family, and coworkers during this difficult time.”
The cause of death has not been confirmed by the Medical Examiner’s Office. New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson deferred all comments and inquires to the law enforcement agencies still investigating the fatal incident.
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