Police investigating death of homeless woman in manhattan as homicide
An unidentified NYPD officer arrives on scene at police related incident. File Photo by Erik Lattwein

Police investigating death of homeless woman in Manhattan as homicide

MANHATTAN, N.Y. – The death of a 35-year-old homeless woman found unresponsive on a Midtown sidewalk last month is now being investigated as a homicide, police announced.

Officers responded to a 911 call just before 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, at 382 Eighth Avenue, within the confines of the 14th Precinct.

The victim was later pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.


Key Points

  • A 35-year-old homeless woman was found unresponsive on Eighth Avenue in Midtown.
  • The Medical Examiner has ruled the death a homicide.
  • Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

Woman found unresponsive near Eighth Avenue

Responding officers located the victim lying on the ground, unconscious and unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel transported her to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, where she was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

Medical Examiner determines cause of death

Following an autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the woman’s death was the result of a homicide. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death or possible motive.

Victim identified as Jerome Lesaine

Police identified the deceased as Jerome Lesaine, a 35-year-old woman who was undomiciled at the time of her death.

Investigation remains ongoing

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing. No arrests have been made, and police are urging anyone with information to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline.

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