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Report: Turkish police identify suspect in U.S. woman's death

From Hande Atay-Alam, CNN
updated 9:50 PM EST, Thu February 21, 2013
The body of American tourist Sarai Sierra was found in Turkey earlier this month.
The body of American tourist Sarai Sierra was found in Turkey earlier this month.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Police search for the man in southern Turkey
  • They distribute his picture at border checkpoints
  • Sarai Sierra went missing in January while on a solo trip
  • Her body was found earlier this month

(CNN) -- Turkish police have identified the man suspected of killing American tourist Sarai Sierra, whose body was found earlier this month, CNN affiliate CNN Turk reported Thursday.

Police are now looking for the suspect, identified only as "Ziya T.," in the southern province of Hatay, where he has family, CNN Turk reported.

Turkish police are looking for a suspect in the death of American tourist Sarai Sierra, identified only as \
Turkish police are looking for a suspect in the death of American tourist Sarai Sierra, identified only as "Ziya T."
Missing American woman found dead

Police distributed a picture of him at all border checkpoints in case he tries to leave the country.

Sierra, a mother and amateur photographer from Staten Island, New York, went missing January 22 while on a solo trip. Her body was found February 2 near ancient stone walls in Istanbul, according to the semi-official Anatolian news agency.

Police suspect the 33-year-old was killed at a different location than where she was found.

Sierra went to Turkey on January 7 and was due to return home January 22.

Earlier this month, CNN Turk reported police detained a Turkish man with whom Sierra was in contact.

Authorities collected DNA samples from 21 people, including three foreigners. It was not immediately known whether "Ziya T." was among them.

Slain photographer's family sells her photos online

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