Sarai Sierra's funeral held in New York City

NEW YORK - Anatolia News Agency

Mourners hug during the wake for Sarai Sierra at Christian Pentecostal Church Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013 in the Staten Island borough of New York. Sierra?s sons, Silas, 9, in blue shirt, and Sion, 11, in orange checks, are at lower right. The 33-year-old mother of two disappeared Jan. 21, and her body was discovered 12 days later near Istanbul's ancient city walls. Police say she suffered a fatal blow to the head. AP photo

Sarai Sierra, the American mother of two who was murdered in Turkey was buried Feb. 14 at a funeral in Staten Island, New York. Sierra’s husband Steven, her two children and other family members attended the funeral at the Christian Pentecostal Church. That day also marks the 15th anniversary of Sierra’s engagement to her husband. 

Pastor John Rocco Carlo, who officiated at the funeral, thanked the Turkish government and Turkish police forces for their cooperation. Adding that he had married Sierra and her husband, Carlo said they hoped the responsible parties would be found and delivered to justice as soon as possible. 

The 33-year-old’s body was discovered Feb. 2 near Istanbul’s ancient city walls, 12 days after she disappeared. Police say she suffered a fatal blow to the head.