Police confirmed Friday that the woman found dead in a St. Paul home under suspicious circumstances was the 79-year-old homeowner. No arrests have been made in the case.
Officers were called to Myong Ki Gossel’s house near Beaver Lake on Wednesday at 4:15 p.m., and she was pronounced dead inside. Gossel, who was known as Susie, was found by two friends who came to her home in the 2300 block of Nokomis Avenue when they could not reach her, neighbors have said.
Gossel’s body was in the basement and it appeared someone had broken into the home, one of the friends told a neighbor.
Police have not said whether Gossel’s death was a homicide. They are awaiting the final report from the medical examiner’s office about the cause and manner of Gossel’s death, a police spokesman said Friday.
Gossel had lived in her home for about 40 years; she had been residing there alone since her husband died in 2011. They met in Korea when he was in the U.S. Army.
Gossel, who enjoyed quilting, crocheting and cooking, was bubbly and friendly, said Vivian Gossel, a sister-in-law. She and neighbors knew of no one who showed animosity toward Susie Gossel.
“I can’t imagine anyone who would want to hurt her,” Vivian Gossel said Friday.