A 33-year-old woman is facing murder charges after a 59-year-old neighbor was found dead and badly beaten inside his supportive-housing apartment in Far Rockaway, Queens, authorities say. Police identified the suspect as Odeylin Gonzalez and the victim as Felipe Gonzalez, who was discovered on Jan. 30 inside a unit at the Barbara Faron Residence. The city’s medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide, and police arrested Gonzalez on Feb. 25, charging her with murder and criminal obstruction of breathing.
Arrest and charges
Officers took 33-year-old Odeylin Gonzalez into custody on Feb. 25 and charged her with murder and criminal obstruction of breathing, according to the New York Post. The outlet reports that a janitor discovered Felipe Gonzalez in his apartment at the Barbara Faron Residence and that he had visible injuries to his face and head when he was found. Prosecutors say the suspect is being held without bail ahead of a scheduled Queens Criminal Court appearance on April 28.
How police say it unfolded
Investigators allege Gonzalez attacked the victim sometime over the two days before his body was discovered. The city’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner classified the death as a homicide on Feb. 6, per reporting by the New York Daily News. Police told reporters the suspect lived roughly three blocks from the Barbara Faron Residence and had been a “persistent problem” at the building, according to that coverage. Despite sharing a last name, officials say the two were not related as the investigation continues.
Supportive housing setting
The Barbara Faron Residence, at 20-50 Nameoke Ave., is a nine-story supportive-housing complex with units reserved for formerly homeless residents and on-site services, according to the Rockaway Times. The building offers 24/7 front-desk staffing and programming that pairs permanent housing with mental health and recovery supports. Advocates say supportive housing is meant to stabilize vulnerable New Yorkers, even as high-profile incidents like this one test how providers and police coordinate on safety and services.
Court status
Prosecutors are preparing for Gonzalez’s April 28 appearance in Queens Criminal Court as the case moves forward, according to the New York Post. Authorities have not publicly released any motive, and detectives are urging anyone who may have seen or heard something to contact the NYPD, per the New York Daily News.
Police say the investigation remains active and have offered few additional details to the press. Prosecutors are expected to further outline the charges at the next court hearing while detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
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