The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force confirmed Wednesday that a decomposed body discovered July 5 has been identified as Brian Patrick Tarrence, a 51-year-old New York City resident who vanished during a Caribbean vacation with his wife.
The identification was made through forensic dental analysis conducted by a qualified dental specialist, according to police officials. An autopsy performed July 11 revealed no signs of trauma on the body, and investigators have indicated there is no suspicion of foul play in Tarrence’s death.
Tarrence disappeared June 25 while celebrating his first wedding anniversary with his wife Maria at the Paradise Inn near Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales. The couple had arrived in Turks and Caicos June 22 for what was planned as a seven-day getaway, with their departure scheduled for June 29.
Security footage captured Tarrence leaving his accommodation around 3:30 a.m. that morning, heading toward the downtown area. He was wearing a T-shirt and shorts and had his cellphone and wallet with him at the time of his departure. His wife was asleep and did not realize he was missing until the following morning, when his belongings remained at the condo.
The body was discovered in a decomposed state in the Grace Bay area during a coordinated search operation led by local police. Private investigator Carl DeFazio, a former NYPD detective and U.S. Marine hired by the family, indicated the remains were found approximately a 20-minute walk from where Tarrence was last seen, located about a block off Leeward Highway in a residential commercial area.
DeFazio described the couple’s vacation as appearing normal until Tarrence’s disappearance. The pair had enjoyed a boat trip and dinner together, following typical vacation activities. The investigator noted that Tarrence’s departure in the early morning hours was unusual, particularly since he left from what was considered a safe area in the middle of Grace Bay Road.
Extensive search efforts were conducted following Tarrence’s disappearance, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos. These operations included ground searches, drone surveillance, and review of CCTV footage, along with assistance from local residents and volunteers. The search was complicated by the tropical climate, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees during the 10-day period before the body was discovered.
Tarrence worked as a vice president at Diligent Software and had recently moved to Manhattan from Monroe, New York, to be closer to his stepson who attended college in the city. The couple had been married for one year at the time of the incident.
Since Tarrence’s disappearance, no charges have appeared on his credit cards and no calls have been made from his phone, according to DeFazio. The investigator had been working to access Tarrence’s phone records from his time on the island, hoping they might help trace his final movements.
Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly extended condolences to the Tarrence family and expressed gratitude to all individuals and organizations who participated in the search efforts. “The entire Turks and Caicos community mourns this loss alongside the Tarrence family,” Jolly stated.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force indicated that final autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending to complete the investigation. The cause of death has not yet been determined, and authorities continue to await these final results.
The case drew attention to ongoing safety concerns in the Caribbean destination, which has experienced other missing person incidents. Another individual, 49-year-old Beata Sylwia Young, was reported missing June 16 and remains unaccounted for, according to police updates from early July.
Police have asked anyone with information relating to Tarrence’s case to contact emergency services at 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. The investigation remains active as authorities await final forensic results.
The police force extended condolences to Tarrence’s family and friends during this difficult time, thanking the public for their patience and support throughout the investigation process.
