Suspect in artist’s mysterious murder at $1,000-a-night wellness hotel has killed himself, police say
The suspect in the murder of a New York City artist found dead at a tony $1,000-a-night wellness retreat in the Hamptons has killed himself, the Suffolk County Police Department said on Wednesday.
Thomas Gannon, 56, died by apparent suicide at his home in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, according to a news release issued Wednesday by Suffolk cops.
The body of Brooklyn resident Sabina Rosas, 33, was discovered in a guest room at the Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill on October 28. No further details about the manner in which she died have been released. The relationship between her and Gannon is also unclear, though the two were reportedly dating. The flooring contractor’s financial situation may have been shaky of late; public records show his house went into foreclosure last month.
Rosas was born in Tajikistan and also went by the name Sabina Khorramdel, according to her family, who released a statement on Wednesday.
“As the eldest of three daughters, Sabina brought excitement, adventure, joy and love to our family,” the statement read. “We are devastated by this senseless loss and ask for privacy as we navigate this incredibly difficult time. We urge anyone with information regarding the circumstances of Sabina’s death to come forward and assist the ongoing investigations. Your support during this challenging time is a testament to just how special Sabina was and will remain.”
A bio for Rosas from her participation in a 2021 artists’ technology immersion program describes her life in Tajikistan as a difficult one after the Soviet Union fell, and she moved to Turkmenistan in 1993, then Crimea in 2000, to finish middle school. She went back to Tajikistan for high school, and moved to the United States in 2009, at the age of 17.
In March 2023, Rosas was arrested in Miami for battery, appearing with a black eye in her mugshot. The circumstances of her arrest and the final disposition of the case are unclear.
An online artists’ collective Rosas helped found in Central Asia posted its own tribute to her on Wednesday, writing, “We are deeply heartbroken to share that our dear colleague and founder of RUYO Journal, Sabina Khorramdel, has left this world. Driven by her incredible energy and vision, Sabina moved walls so that gardens could flourish, inviting everyone seeking light. She shared everything she had and supported all of us. A beautiful soul and a gifted artist, she left an impactful legacy in the arts of Central Asia. The world feels empty without her. We love you, Sabina. Rest in peace.”
The Shou Sugi Ban House, which features 13 private guest studios on five serene acres, describes itself as “a private sanctuary and gated compound surrounded by evergreen trees and lush grasses.” It provides services “inspired by Japanese principles of wabi-sabi and a spirit of openness and exploration,” offering “spa, healing arts, nutrition, fitness and complete wellness experiences in a holistic, educational setting.”
“We welcome diverse points of view and are especially galvanized by the strength of women and the wisdom of community,” the resort tells prospective guests.
The hotel has not yet made a statement about Rosas’ death.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org
