Death of McConnell sister-in-law Angela Chao now 'criminal investigation'

The recent death of American shipping magnate Angela Chao, the sister-in-law of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, is now a "criminal investigation," according to the Texas sheriff's office investigating matter. 

Chao, the CEO of the Foremost Group was found dead shortly after midnight on Feb. 11 when pulled from a car that had gone into a pond on a private ranch about 40 miles from the Texas city of Austin, CNBC reported Thursday.

“This incident was not a typical accident,” the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office told state Attorney General Ken Paxton in a letter. “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."

As a result in the change of status in the case, investigators and state prosecutors reportedly intend to withhold further release of  related reports, 911 logs, audio and video evidence and other related material.

There did not appear as of Friday to be any clear public evidence that shows or suggests the death of Chao, 50, is not a criminal matter.

The ranch on which Chao died is owned by a corporate entity connected to her husband, venture capitalist Jim Breyer, who has an office in Austin, also according to CNBC. 

Chao was the sister of McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, who has served as secretary of the departments of Labor and Transportation departments. The sister's father and mother founded the Foremost Group.