Rochester, N.Y. – On Thursday, Rochester police said they still have a person of interest in custody in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found in Tryon Park on February 6.
Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard said the person of interest is being held on a parole violation.
73-year-old Edline Chun was found shot to death by a Monroe County maintenance worker.
Chun was not killed in the park. Police would not say where they believe she was shot; only the investigation is ongoing at her home on Hazelwood Terrace.
Chun and the person of interest did not appear to know each other, but police said she was targeted.
Friends of Chun cannot believe anyone would harm her.
“I first met Auntie Eddie, as we called her, at my Hawaiian dance studio,” said Victoria Visiko. “I believe it was the beginning of 2002, she was so thrilled I opened a Hawaiian studio.”
Chun who was born and raised in Hawaii enjoyed sharing the heritage and memories of Hawaii with Visiko and other members of the studio, Gallery Kaua'i, Hawaiian Performing Arts & Recording Studios, in Pittsford.
“There's not one thing that I won't miss, there's not one thing,” said Visiko through tears. “She was the most incredible human being.”
Chun was an adjunct professor at RIT for almost two decades. She taught in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. In a statement from RIT: “Her colleagues in the School of Media Sciences describe her as someone who ‘always went above and beyond to serve the students and the school with passion, integrity and the utmost class.’”
Chun lived alone at her home in the city.
“We believe at this time it was robbery related,” said Sheppard.
Chun's car was stolen, but police would not comment if anything else was taken.
Good police work lead to the person of interest, who will likely be charged, according to Chief Sheppard.
