Beloved Seattle woman found dead in Nicaragua, boyfriend suspected murderer

Police in Nicaragua say 58-year-old Amber Yugovich was found dead on the side of the road outside of Granada in Nicaragua on April 6.

News outlets in Nicaragua report that Yugovich had blows to her head, missing teeth, and signs of sexual assault. Police have arrested her boyfriend, Brian Bell, in connection to the murder.

“She was a ray of sunshine,” K’Lee Shelton, Amber’s daughter, told KIRO 7.

Shelton says her mother was a beloved person in the Seattle area who truly loved her and her two children.

“She never hesitated to lend a hand to myself, my children, everyone in our family. She was the backbone of all of us,” Shelton said.

“You’re a perfect mother. You’re a perfect grandmother. Thank you for always being there for me,” Shelton said.

Shelton says her mother had been in Nicaragua for the past few years. She learned about her death through her mother’s friends down in the country.

Yugovich’s mother made the following statement about her daughter’s death and GoFundMe account:

“I, Sheila Arp, mother of Amber Yugovich, clarify erroneous reports concerning her horrific death in Nicaragua. News on a GoFundMe me said her daughter desperately needed funds to bring her remains. Her remains were already on their way and it was Ambers father, John Yugovich whose privilege it was to arrange and pay entire costs. As well, Ambers family was unmentioned on that page. Please honor her grieving family by recognizing us. Mother, Sheila Arp, father John Yugovich, brother Whitman Warden, much loved step father Jerry Warden, brother from another mother uncle Michael Strube and my sister Deñnie Dye. I sincerely apologise for the erroneous postings on GoFundMe. This site has been closed and now we can begin grieving. There is a hole in the universe and our hearts.”