Niece Murders 97-year-old Woman in her Own Home

By Tina Fares, Staff Reporter, The Pawprint

According to New York Daily News, Janice Cruz, a 50 year old woman was charged with murder and strangulation of 97 year old aunt Antonia Cardona. Cardona’s body was found on the 18th floor of her apartment on Columbia St. in the Baruch Houses on Friday morning. 

The neighbors reported that the niece was howling and repeatedly saying, “I killed her!”, as the police escorted her out of the building. However, Cardona’s longtime friend Culma Mercado, explained this was very unusual behavior from her since Cruz would bring her food while taking care of her every day. 

Janice Cruz was taken to Bellevue Hospital for psychiatric treatment after police arrived at the victim’s apartment and discovered her lifeless body around 9 a.m on Friday.