The family of Tracy Nyariki Moraa, a 31-year-old Kenyan nurse based in the United States, is appealing for justice following her brutal murder. Tracy was reported missing days before her dismembered remains were discovered, leaving her family devastated.
A life cut short
Tracy, who lived in Newark, Delaware, was reported missing after failing to show up at work for several days.
Her employer raised the alarm, prompting the Aberdeen Police Department to issue a Gold Alert, a system used in the US to locate missing persons.
Concerns about her safety heightened when authorities found suspicious circumstances during a search of her residence at the Village of Kent Apartments in Bear.
Tragic family losses
Her family in Kenya is grappling with unimaginable grief. Tracy had been a pillar of hope for her father, who has been bedridden and unable to work, walk, or talk since suffering a stroke in 2010.
READ: Kenyan man arrested in the U.S. over dismembered body of woman found in his car
Her uncle shared that Tracy had only recently started her nursing career, which had raised hopes for brighter days ahead.
“She was beginning to shine light on the family, especially for her father’s treatment,” her uncle said.
The family has already endured significant loss, having lost their mother in 2013. Tracy's death has left them with more questions than answers.
Murder suspect detained
The primary suspect, Nobert Matara, was detained in Aberdeen, Maryland, after authorities found dismembered human remains in his vehicle.
According to Tracy’s sister, the two had ended their relationship two years ago, and Tracy had since moved on.
“They parted ways long ago, like two years ago, so Tracy moved on with her life,” she explained.
While the motive for the heinous crime remains unclear, the family suspects jealousy could have played a role in the murder.
READ: New details emerge on Kenyan woman found dead at US airport
Police investigations continue
The Aberdeen Police Department, acting on a request from the New Castle County Police Department, tracked Matara’s vehicle to the 1100 block of S. Philadelphia Blvd.
Matara is expected to face first-degree murder charges as investigations continue.
The family now faces the daunting task of repatriating Tracy’s remains to Kenya for burial, compounding their grief.