Woman Fatally Choked in Times Square, Suspect Indicted
In a shocking case that has left the community reeling, a 33-year-old man has been indicted for the murder of a young woman near a bustling Manhattan hotel. The incident unfolded on October 29th, leaving a trail of grief and unanswered questions in its wake.
A 25-Minute Reign of Terror
Jaheem Warren stands accused of stalking 23-year-old Leslie Torres for a harrowing 25 minutes through the crowded streets of Midtown Manhattan. Prosecutors say Warren began following Torres after she left her building on West 45th Street, relentlessly pursuing her as she navigated the sidewalks of the city.
The terrifying ordeal culminated outside the Hotel Riu Plaza New York on West 46th Street in Times Square. It was there that Warren allegedly grabbed Torres from behind, violently throwing her onto a pile of garbage bags. In a horrific act of violence, he proceeded to choke the young woman until she lost consciousness.
A Passerby’s Grim Discovery
Tragically, a passerby eventually discovered Torres lying lifeless on the street. Shocked by the sight, they immediately called for help and Torres was rushed to Mount Sinai West. However, doctors determined she had suffered irreparable brain damage as a result of strangulation.
Despite medical intervention, Torres remained on a ventilator in the ICU for a week before succumbing to her injuries on November 4th.
Justice Sought for a Senseless Crime
“Jaheem Warren allegedly stalked a young woman for 25 minutes on the streets of Manhattan before he brutally attacked her, throwing her onto a pile of garbage bags and suffocating her,” said District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “This alleged conduct is abhorrent. People deserve to be safe when walking through Manhattan, and my Office will ensure accountability for those who commit horrific acts of violence.”
Warren was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, assault, and strangulation in November. The NYPD is still actively investigating the motive behind the attack, though authorities have confirmed that Warren and Torres did not appear to know each other.
A City Mourns
The senseless murder of Leslie Torres has sent shockwaves through the vibrant city. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can exist even in the heart of a bustling metropolis. As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits justice for Torres, while also grappling with profound questions about safety and the ever-present threat of violence.
