Only on 10: Family of woman found in Coventry pond seeks justice for her death
(WJAR) — Nearly nine weeks after the discovery of a woman’s body in Carbuncle Pond in Coventry was ruled suspicious, Rhode Island State Police are still refusing to release any details about what happened, including the victim’s name.
Since the death, family and friends have been reaching out to NBC 10 asking for help getting justice. They confirmed the victim is their loved one, 34-year-old Leila Patricia Duarte Da Luz, and they want to know who did it.
Family members tell NBC 10 Leila was living in Brockton, Massachusetts at the time and was two months pregnant.
“The detective, the policeman that came here, they told me yes it was Leila," said a friend who lives in Rhode Island.
The friend didn’t want to share her identity because the suspect could still be out there. She said when she didn’t hear back from Leila for several days in December she became worried, then Rhode Island police showed up at her door.
“Two policemen, one woman, and one man they came here to my house and they said yes it was Leila Duarte, your friend, the body that we found Wednesday 21 December 2022 at Coventry,” said the friend.
Over the past several weeks, NBC 10 has talked with Leila’s sister Dunia who lives in Cape Verde with their father. She said Leila studied business law and was sweet and shy but a hard worker.
Dunia sent NBC 10 the following documents in Portuguese, translated into English, they say “date of death December 21, 2022, place of death Coventry, Rhode Island."
Dunia told NBC 10 the following statement Monday night.
"We are hurt, this has changed our lives forever, for all of us, we want justice, not only for Leila, we don't want anyone else to suffer like we are suffering, we don't want any other girl to be murdered. If someone did this is and is out there, they are a threat."
Dunia said Leila’s family came to Massachusetts for the funeral on January 22.
Leila’s other sister, Katy Alves, lives in Portugal and sent NBC 10 the following statement, which was translated into English:
My sister Leila, you had so much to live for, so much to do and many dreams yet to come true. You were such a kind, loving person, a friend to everyone, you never hurt anyone and someone out of pure pleasure, hate, without love decided to simply take your precious life.
I think about you every day and I still can't believe this happened to you. It hurts just thinking that I'll never hear your voice and see your msn again. I wish this was just a dream.
I have faith that justice will be served and I hope whoever did this to you spends the rest of his life in jail.
NBC 10 has reached out to Rhode Island State Police several times throughout the investigation, it said they’re not releasing any information at this time.