Man Charged with Murdering Lynnfield Native Karen Colclough

A Lynnfield native who was found dead in Nicaragua was murdered, authorities said.

Karen Colclough was last seen Friday. She was in the country on a religious mission with Argos International, which helps poor families in rural Latin America.

Argos said Colclough's group had completed its work and was staying at the Barcelo Montelimar, a beach resort near Montelimar.

Colclough went for a walk with her camera and encountered Fernando Antonio Aburto, a 35-year-old Nicaraguan man, according to the Nicaragua Dispatch.

Authorities said Aburto strangled her to death and stole her camera. He then sold the camera to a local for $27—tying him to the murder, police said.

Colclough had been living in Wyoming at the time of her death.

"We are devastated to learn of Karen's passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to Karen's parents, family and her remarkable circle of friends—all who love her deeply," Argos said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.