Family Of Woman Found Dead in Riverhead Speaks Out

The family of a 29-year-old Flanders woman on Monday said they are heartbroken over their loss.

Police have determined that the death of Mirian Garcia was a homicide.

Maria Garcia said Mirian Garcia was her husband's cousin, and lived in their home. She remembers Garcia as "very sweet, and very friendly."

Mirian, said Garcia, did not have a car. "Her car was broken," she said. And so, when she decided to head out to Saturday night in Riverhead, she called someone her family did not know, to give her a ride. It was unclear if she ever arrived at her destination or who picked her up that evening.

"That was the last time I saw her," Garcia said. 

Garcia's body was found near Peconic Plaza in Riverhead, near Sabor Latino and the Department of Motor Vehicles on Monday.

Remembering Mirian, Garcia said the two had spent Saturday talking. When she heard the news on Monday that her body had been found, Garcia said. "I couldn't believe it." 

Adina Garcia, 19, Maria's daughter, was shocked to hear the news on Monday night. "I still can't believe it," she said. "Another family member told me and I said, 'I don't believe you.'"

Mirian, said Adina Garcia, was "very sympathetic, very nice. If she knew you, she'd always come up to you and say hi."

Of the news that police believe the death was a homicide, Adina Garcia said, "It's very hard."

Mirian Garcia  also leaves behind a mother and sister, who live nearby. "They are so sad," Garcia said.

recently when police were called to a dispute behind the restaurant.