The woman attacked last week and partially eaten by an alligator has been identified as Shizuka Matsuki, 47, of Plantation, FL.
Matsuki was walking two of her dogs in Silver Lakes Rotary Nature Park when a witness saw the gator drag Matsuki into the water. The witness called police, but the body and the alligator were not immediately found.
The gator was trapped and removed from the lake in Davie, said the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
In an official statement, Florida FWC wrote: “A 12-foot, 6-inch alligator was removed from the lake by an FWC contracted trapper. After an initial necropsy, evidence was found that indicates that the victim of this incident was bitten by the alligator that was captured earlier today.”
While searching for the remains of Matsuki and the alligator, her dogs wouldn’t leave the lake, barking at the water, said police. Both dogs were taken to Broward County Animal and Care and Adoption.
Trappers caught the suspect alligator Friday afternoon and found a human arm inside its stomach, officials said. A tattoo confirmed the arm as Matsuki’s. With the reptile out of the water, divers were able to go into the lake to recover the body. Her remains were found late Friday night.
Matsuki’s husband was out of town at the time of the incident. Her adult son lives in New York City.
Just days before, neighbors had been warned about alligators after one of the creatures was found on a home’s porch and had to be removed by trappers.
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff or submitting a story.
