UPDATE 4 p.m.: The victim has been identified as 48-year-old Suzanne Goldfarb. Her death was caused by asphyxiation, according to the Nassau County Medical Examiner's office.

Goldfarb was found dead in her bed by her father who came to check on her after she had declined a dinner invitation on Tuesday night, Newsday reported. Original story:

The death of a woman found in a cottage at a Merrick home Wednesday evening has been deemed "suspicious," police said. The woman was found dead in a cottage behind a home on Smith Street, near Babylon Turnpike, around 6:30 p.m. after police responded to a 911 call.

The Homicide Squad is investigating the woman's death. Police have not released any other details, but News 12 reported that the woman was found tied up. Police are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.