Suspect in Custody After American Tourist Killed in Grenada

Jessica Colker was found dead on Sunday while on vacation with her husband.

ByABC News
January 26, 2016, 2:27 PM

— -- A man suspected of killing an American tourist in Grenada has turned himself into police.

Police in Grenada are not releasing the name of man since he has not yet been charged in the death of Jessica Colker. Constable Emmon Duprey of the Royal Grenada Police Force confirmed to ABC News that the man in custody is a suspect in the case.

Colker, 39, and her husband were on vacation in Grenada when she was attacked on Sunday, Jan. 24.

"It was reported to the police that a woman, who was in the company of her male companion, went missing following an attack by a man at Le-Cheasere beach in St. David," the Royal Grenada Police Force said in a statement.

Colker was found dead after a "search was mounted in the area," police said.

Police spokeswoman Pauline Williams told ABC News that the attacker allegedly had a cutlass-style weapon, akin to a machete.

The autopsy report said that she died as a result "of extensive skull fracture and asphyxia."

According to ABC's Atlanta affiliate WSB, Colker worked as a pediatric anesthetist at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

"Jessica was a valued member of our Children's team," the hospital said in a statement released Monday. "We are deeply saddened by this horrific news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this very difficult time."