Boyfriend arrested in Bronx torture murder remains held without bail.
A 26-year-old man has been charged with the alleged torture and murder of his 21-year-old girlfriend in a disturbing case that has drawn significant attention in the Bronx. Robert Strother appeared in Bronx criminal court recently, where he was charged with multiple offenses, including murder, manslaughter, hindering prosecution, concealment of a human corpse, and tampering with physical evidence. Following his arraignment, he was ordered held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on Wednesday.
The victim, Princesa Encarnacion-Soto, was reportedly subjected to severe abuse for more than a week before her death on July 22 at a Grand Concourse apartment that Strother shared with his mother. Naida Jorge, Strother’s mother, is also facing serious charges, including murder for allegedly assisting in the crimes and participating in the cleanup of the crime scene.
According to prosecutors, Encarnacion-Soto’s body displayed signs of extreme violence, including numerous bruises, deep cuts, stab wounds, and gruesome injuries to the bottoms of her feet. An autopsy revealed that her condition was so severe that a piece of a knuckle was missing from one of her fingers, further highlighting the brutality of the attack.
Strother’s capture came after a week-long manhunt during which he evaded authorities. He was ultimately apprehended last Friday when neighbors recognized him and alerted the police as he attempted to return to the apartment where the alleged crime took place. Video footage of the incident showed bystanders confronting Strother, emphasizing the community’s reaction to the shockingly violent nature of the case.
Encarnacion-Soto was found dead in her apartment under horrific circumstances, drawing immediate media attention and public outrage. Local residents have expressed their grief and anger over the situation, as memorials for the victim began to appear outside the apartment building where her life was tragically cut short.
This case has raised serious concerns about domestic violence and the adequacy of protective measures for victims. As the legal proceedings unfold, further details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the events leading to this tragic incident. The community continues to mourn the loss of a young life taken too soon while grappling with the implications of such an act of violence within their neighborhood.
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