Early Autopsy Report Indicate Johannet was Strangled

The body of Catherine Johannet, a 23 year old woman from Scarsdale, New York, was discovered Sunday, February 5th in the afternoon on a hiking trail on Bastimentos Island in Bocas del Toro.

According to an article published in La Prensa Wednesday February 8th, early autopsy reports indicate that the cause of death may have been strangulation. However, the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Science of the Public Ministry explained that they would need to do further analysis to confirm this finding.

Tuesday, February 7, the National Police and personnel of the Public Ministry carried out several raids on Isla Bastimentos. Meanwhile, authorities decided to move the body of Johannet from Bocas del Toro to the capital.

The girl's relatives have been in the country since Monday. Her family had been handing out missing persons flyers all across Bastimentos Island prior to the discovery of her body.

Cathrine’s sister, Laura, wrote on Facebook, Sunday night giving relatives and friends the tragic news.

“Unfortunately we have learned today that she has passed away, my family is thinking of all our beautiful memories with our laughing, adventurous, warm little girl. She was always there to listen to you and just enjoy life with her loved ones. We will keep you posted on funeral plans.”

Officials from the U.S. Embassy in Panama offered condolences to her family. press attaché Adrienne Bory said “multiple senior members of the Panamanian government have been working closely, throughout the weekend, along with the Ambassador, U.S. consular officials, and the FBI, We will continue to work closely with Panamanian government officials and provide all possible assistance to the grieving family.”