OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:12 AM PT — Wednesday, January 15, 2020
ICE previously issued a detainer for an illegal immigrant who is now
being accused of murdering a 92-year-old woman in New York. Police
believe 21-year-old Reeaz Khan, a Guyanese national, is responsible for
the alleged murder and sexual assault of 92-year-old Maria Fuertes.Officials say Khan spotted the woman in Queens last week as she collected cans, followed her and then attacked her from behind.
“They landed behind a parked car, the perpetrator and the victim were out of view for approximately four to five minutes where the subject suddenly reappears and runs northbound on 127th street,” explained Deputy NYPD Chief Joe Kenny. “Ms. Fuentes remains on the ground.”
Police called the attack a “senseless, brutal act of violence” after Fuertes was eventually found two hours later.
“Upon arrival EMS personnel discovered an injured and disoriented 92-year-old women lying in the snow,” added Chief Kenny.
Fuertes was rushed to the hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
“Whoever did it, it’s some real sucker stuff,” said Devar Hurd, the victim’s neighbor. “C’mon like, this lady was harmless; couldn’t hurt nothing, even if you asked her to.”
Police released nearby surveillance footage in an effort to identify the suspect. His brother is said to have tipped-off police.
Khan was eventually arrested, but ICE officials suggested his crime could have been prevented. They are partially blaming the murder on city policies. ICE agents said they issued a immigration detainer for Khan after he was arrested back in November on both assault and weapons charges. Due to the city’s sanctuary policies, however, he was released after his arraignment. Fuertes was killed just six weeks later.
In a recent statement, ICE officials called New York City’s sanctuary policies “dangerously flawed.” They also slammed local politicians, who they say “care more about criminal illegal aliens than the citizens they are elected to serve and protect.”
Meanwhile, the victim’s neighbors are mourning her death and remembering their friend.
“My dad actually passed away four years ago and the old lady, she actually came to my house and she put $100 in an envelope,” said neighbor Kevin Tejiram. “And she was like ‘this is for you guys, I want to help my neighbors.'”
Khan is currently being held at Rickers Island. If convicted, he could spend 25 years to life behind bars.
