Suspect in Masako Kenley's murder used to work with her, coworkers say
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Friends and coworkers of Masako Kenley say the man police suspect in her murder knew her through their jobs.
Kenley, 53, was found dead near the Jordan River on Sunday, two days after she was reported missing. A suspect, 75-year-old William O'Reilly, was arrested for her murder shortly thereafter.
She worked for the United States Postal Service for 20 years and was a beloved employee.
"I just want this world to know that Masako was a beautiful, beautiful person, and she is going to be missed tremendously by so many," said Kenley's USPS supervisor Jill Jensen.
At work and in her life, Kenley was helpful to everyone, positive, could be very talkative, and was always making people smile, Jensen said.
Her coworkers told 2News O'Reilly used to work with Kenley at USPS — and some said he seemed "obsessed" with her. They knew the suspect as Bill, and said he used to work in the IT department.
"I heard that she knew, or had problems with him in the past," Jensen said.
Police have only said that O'Reilly and Kenley knew each other, but have not said what information led them to arrest O'Reilly on suspicion of aggravated murder, desecration of a corpse, and obstruction of justice.
O'Reilly remains held in the Salt Lake County Jail. Police will present evidence in the case to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office, which will determine any formal charges.
USPS will bring in counselors on Tuesday to help employees with their grief, Jensen said.
Kenley's husband, Bill, issued the following statement through a family spokesperson on Monday:
I want to express my deep gratitude to the police and to the countless volunteers for their help in finding Masako. We are overwhelmed at the number of people who have helped us during this difficult time. Your prayers and support have meant the world to my family and me. Losing Masako is devastating, but we feel blessed to have had her in our lives for as long as we did. We will never forget your kindness, generosity, and love.”
Individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
