U.S. senator seeks Clinton’s help in case of Tampa woman murdered in Bangkok hotel

March 12, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) has asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to get the governments of India and Thailand working together and moving on solving the case of a 52-year-old Tampa woman who was murdered in a Bangkok hotel last month.

In a letter today to Clinton, Nelson said authorities suspect an Indian man in the death of Wendy Albano.  But the governments of Thailand and India, where the suspect is believed to be hiding, still need to act on the information.

“As you can imagine, this delay is causing Wendy’s family even greater distress,” Nelson wrote to Clinton.  “They have asked me to request your assistance in this matter so that the suspect can be brought to justice quickly.”

It’s been reported that Albano checked into the Fraser Suites Sukhumvit in Bangkok on Feb. 9, and was last seen on a hotel surveillance camera entering her room with the man on Sunday evening, Feb. 12.  He left about an hour later with luggage in his hands.  Authorities say he has fled Thailand, according to Thai news reports.   

Albano was repeatedly stabbed and strangled on Feb. 12, and was discovered the next day lying on the bathroom floor by a hotel maid, according to the coroner in Thailand.

Albano was a Tampa interior decorator who once lived in Hollywood, Florida and has family in Plantation, Florida.

Nelson initially inquired about her case through the consul general at the U.S. embassy in New Dehli.  The lawmaker was told law enforcement in Thailand and India had been in contact with each other informally, but that “this remains a matter between the Thai and Indian governments.”

Following is the text of Nelson’s letter to Clinton.

March 12, 2012

The Honorable Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Secretary Clinton:

I write regarding the murder of a Florida woman in Thailand.  Mrs. Wendy Susan Albano was killed in Bangkok on Feb. 12.  The alleged perpetrator of this horrific crime reportedly fled to his native country of India. 

I have been informed an arrest warrant has been issued and that law enforcement officials in Thailand and India have had informal contact.  But that further steps in the case are up to the two governments.  As you can imagine, this delay is causing Wendy’s family even greater distress. They have asked me to request your assistance in this matter so that the suspect can be brought to justice quickly.

On behalf of Wendy’s family and friends, your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

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