Police say a quiet Queens cemetery turned into the scene of a brutal crime on May 30, when a 25-year-old woman was raped, beaten and held captive for hours inside Union Field Cemetery. The victim was eventually taken to Brookdale University Hospital, where she was treated for injuries consistent with sexual assault.
Officers later arrested a 31-year-old man they allege was responsible. According to New York Daily News, police identified the suspect as 31-year-old Oscar Vallejo and charged him with rape, kidnapping, sexual abuse and assault. Investigators told the outlet they believe Vallejo held the woman against her will inside the cemetery for hours, and authorities have released his mugshot in hopes that any additional victims or witnesses will come forward.
Court filings show Vallejo has a history of sexual-misconduct cases: he pleaded guilty to forcible touching in 2025 and was later adjudicated a Level 2 sex offender with a moderate risk to reoffend, according to Justia. Local reporting previously detailed a July 2023 arrest in Brooklyn on attempted-rape and related counts, and amNY lays out those prior proceedings and related events.
Where the attack happened
Police say the attack unfolded inside Union Field Cemetery, a roughly 63-acre burial ground on the Brooklyn-Queens border that lists its address as 8211 Cypress Avenue in Ridgewood. The cemetery’s website places the grounds at that address and notes gate and office information for visitors. Union Field Cemetery
Police response and how to report tips
The NYPD’s Special Victims Unit is leading the investigation and is asking anyone with information, including photos or video, to contact investigators. The department’s resource page lists Special Victims hotlines and survivor resources, and anonymous tips can be submitted to NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. NYPD Special Victims and NYPD Crime Stoppers explain reporting options.
Legal context
The newly filed accusations are felony sex charges that, if prosecuted and proven, carry significant prison time under New York law. Court documents from earlier matters note that the judge “adjudicated defendant, who was present in court, a level two sex offender with a moderate risk to re-offend,” reflecting prior forcible-touching convictions and related proceedings, according to Justia. Prosecutors will decide whether to seek indictments on the new charges as the investigation continues.
The case remains active, and detectives say any witnesses or anyone with relevant footage should contact Crime Stoppers or their local precinct. Further updates from the NYPD and the district attorney’s office are expected as the case moves forward.
