Chao, a shipping billionaire, was found dead in her vehicle that was “completely submerged” in a pond on a ranch near Austin, Texas, last month.
The death of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s billionaire sister-in-law Angela Chao is now being investigated as a crime, according to reports.
Chao was the CEO of New York-based dry bulk shipping company Foremost Group and sister of former U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, McConnell’s wife.
Chao was found dead in her vehicle that was “completely submerged” in a pond on a ranch in Johnson City, near Austin, Texas, last month.
After refusing to release details surrounding her death, authorities have revealed the investigation into her death is now a criminal matter.
“Although the preliminary investigation indicated this was an unfortunate accident, the Sheriff’s Office is still investigating this accident as a criminal matter until they have sufficient evidence to rule out criminal activity,” the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Thursday letter to state Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“This incident was not a typical accident,” the agency added.
The letter did not say that there was evidence that Chao died as the result of a crime, but hinted at a potential prosecution.
Because Chao’s death is now under criminal investigation, audio and video evidence will not be released.
“Releasing the reports, videos and other information prior to the completion of the investigation would interfere with the investigation and possible prosecution of this matter,” the sheriff’s office wrote.
This comes after McConnell last Wednesday announced he would step down as Senate Minority Leader after the 2024 election.
“This has been a particularly difficult time for my family,” McConnell said on the Senate floor. “We tragically lost Elaine’s younger sister Angela, just a few weeks ago.”
“When you lose a loved one, particularly at a young age, there’s a certain introspection that accompanies the grieving process,” McConnell added.
