A grim turn of events unfolded as the suspected murderer of a 33-year-old New York City artist at an upscale Hamptons spa was found dead in an apparent suicide, as confirmed by the police on Wednesday.
Thomas Gannon, aged 56, tragically ended his life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his residence in Honesdale, Pa., a significant distance of 214 miles away from the crime scene, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.
The police revealed that Gannon and Sabina Rosas, the artist hailing from Tajikistan, were involved in a "domestic" relationship, although further specifics were not disclosed.
The circumstances surrounding the presence of Gannon and Rosas at the lavish $1,000-per-night spa, where Rosas' lifeless body was discovered by an employee on Monday, have not been clarified, sending shockwaves through Water Mill, an affluent hamlet in the Town of Southampton on Long Island.
Rosas' family, in a statement, portrayed her as a "beloved daughter, sister, fiancée, and friend," indicating that she was reportedly engaged to another man, according to sources.
"As the eldest of three daughters, Sabina brought excitement, adventure, joy, and love to our family," expressed the family. "Your support during this challenging time is a testament to just how special Sabina was and will remain."
Gannon, a father of one, was identified as the proprietor of Majestic Tile, Granite, and Flooring in Honesdale, as per records.
His ex-wife did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment.
The property where Gannon was discovered is currently listed for sale at $550,000, as indicated in the online listing.
The house, featuring three bedrooms and three bathrooms, is situated on an elevated deck with expansive windows offering breathtaking views of the surrounding woods.
The three-acre plot encompasses a pool and a private stream, according to the listing.
Rosas was found deceased by a staff member in one of the 13 guest lodgings at the luxurious Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill on Monday afternoon.
Although the specifics of Rosas' demise were not immediately evident, reports suggested that it was a gruesome and violent scene.
Earlier on Wednesday, ABC News reported that law enforcement was on the lookout for a male suspect who had checked into the spa with Rosas and was last seen departing without her on Monday morning.
The heinous crime has cast a somber shadow over Water Mill, a tranquil and affluent enclave favored by celebrities and affluent vacationers.
The Shou Sugi Ban House, discreetly nestled at the end of a lengthy gravel driveway off the Montauk Highway, has catered to renowned clients such as Kate Hudson and Katie Couric.
The sight of police tape encircling the Buddha statue marking the spa's entrance sparked conversations among locals about the shocking incident.
"It's just so out of character for this area, and that specific area," remarked resident Jean Wong to The Post.
"It's very ironic because you visit a place like that for relaxation and comfort. What could have led to a murder?"
Rosas, who also occasionally used the surname Khorramdel, seemed to lead a somewhat nomadic existence, as per her online presence.
She participated in the nonprofit Harvestworks' 2021 Technology Immersion Program and had been raising funds to attend an artist residency in Portugal next month, as indicated on a GoFundMe page.
Additionally, she was the founder of Ruyò Journal, a publication showcasing Central Asian art.
Rosas recently journeyed with Ruyò to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, where she exhibited an installation named Seed Forms, described as a "multisensory experience," as per the journal.
"Driven by her incredible energy and vision, Sabina moved walls so that gardens could flourish, inviting everyone seeking light. She shared everything she had and supported all of us," Ruyò posted in a tribute to the late artist.
"A beautiful soul and a talented artist, she left a lasting impact on the arts of Central Asia. The world feels emptier without her."