Police discovered a woman with multiple stab wounds outside an apartment building early Monday morning.
Evidence markers and smears of blood were visible on various surfaces, from the sidewalk to the steps, and even on cars outside the building located at West 172nd Street and Haven Avenue. The NYPD has identified the victim as 29-year-old Shirly Rodriguez, who was found around 5:35 a.m. She was pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital shortly after her arrival.
Authorities suspect the incident might be related to a domestic dispute, though no arrests have been made yet. Some neighbors reported hearing the altercation.
“What woke me up was the commotion. The woman was yelling, screaming, and then I heard a man's voice,” said Laura A., a resident of the block.
Laura, who has lived in the neighborhood for many years, expressed her concerns about safety and the need for stronger leadership and intervention.
“It really saddens me because I have seen the changes in this neighborhood for decades, and I feel that our mayor as well as the leaders of the community have been failing our people because nothing has been done for these people who are pretty much not stable,” added Laura.
The NYPD has urged anyone with information about the incident to contact its Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. The investigation is ongoing.