NY Suspect In Custody Following Brutal Murder of Beloved ‘Cat Lady’ Maria Fuertes

NEW YORK, NY. (THECOUNT) — A suspect has been taken into custody over the strangulation death of Maria Fuertes, know as the “Cat Lady,” because of her feeding of hungry stray cats in her neighborhood.

A unidentified suspect was in police custody Friday in connection with the death of the beloved 92-year-old woman in Richmond Hill.

The NYPD made the announcement via Twitter.

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the @NYPD106Pct Detectives and Queens South Homicide Squad, I’m pleased to announce that we’ve taken this suspect into custody,” wrote Chief Rodney Harrison.

Fuertes was strangled around the block from her home Monday night.

Cops had released photos and surveillance video of the suspect along with a $2,500 reward.

According to reports, Fuertes was standing outside her home on 103rd Road in Jamaica just after midnight on Monday when the suspect approached her from behind, assaulted her and knocked her to the ground, reports FOX5NY.

The deadly attack occurred on 127th Street. The suspect approached the elderly Fuertes from behind before strangling her and knocking her to the ground.

Police responded to a 911 call about Fuertes lying on the ground and found her unresponsive. She had sustained injuries to her neck and back.

The suspect was described by police as having a medium complexion, average build, black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, dark-colored pants and black shoes.

DEVELOPING::

Geo quick facts: New York City comprises 5 boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers. Its iconic sites include skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and sprawling Central Park. Broadway theater is staged in neon-lit Times Square – wikipedia.