Editor’s Note: The print version of this story did not include information about the arrest as it happened after this week’s edition went to press.
Nassau County Police Department announced late Tuesday evening that they have made an arrest in the death of 27-year-old South Farmingdale resident Kelly Owen.
Michael Owen, the husband of the victim, was arraigned on Wednesday on a charge of second-degree murder at First District Court in Hempstead. Police say the couple was separated, but continued their relationship in both “physical and intimate” ways. Michael, however, was also beginning to see another individual who had even moved in with him recently.
Police say there was an argument between the couple in which Kelly told Michael that she qualified and wanted to be on his health insurance. Another factor was that Kelly was pregnant with what she believed was Michael’s child. Police say Michael wanted to move on to his new relationship and did not want the child, nor did he want to provide his health insurance.
At approximately 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, police responded to a call where they discovered the body of Kelly, who was a nursing student currently on school break. It was determined that she had died prior to the arrival of the paramedics and further testing discovered that she was killed by asphyxiation.
Kelly lived with her parents, her brother and her six-year-old daughter. The daughter attends a local grammar school where Kelly actively participated in the after-school program. On the day of her death, she got up at 8 a.m. to wake her daughter up for school and Kelly’s father took her daughter to the school. Later that day, she was set to attend the grammar school at 3 p.m. Instead, Kelly’s parents came home at around 3:30 p.m. and saw her car still at the house, which is when Kelly’s mother started wondering why she was there. A few minutes later, the parents discovered her body.
A GoFundMe has been set up and has raised more than $20,000 for the family. A message was posted on it from Kelly’s parents.
“We tragically lost our daughter, Kelly,” said the post. “We were so proud of her and shared her excitement about her future nursing career. Her life was cut short on the verge of her academic and professional success. The outpouring of love from family and friends has been comforting in this difficult time, and many have asked how they can help. For this reason, we are starting this fundraiser so we can provide for [her daughter] Brynn’s needs in this time of crisis and, in the future, in ways we think Kelly would have wanted.
“We will miss and love you always, Kelly, and will keep your memory alive for Brynn.”
For those interested in donating to the family, go to www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-our-daughter-kelly-bretana-owen.
