Man charged with murder in East Harlem, accused of targeting homeless women and sex workers.
A man suspected of targeting vulnerable populations, including homeless women and sex workers, has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 54-year-old homeless woman in East Harlem. Audoine Amazan, 38, faces second-degree murder charges for allegedly beating and strangling Shivonne Thompson, whose body was discovered on July 1 under an overpass near the Harlem River Drive at East 135th Street and Park Avenue. Authorities confirmed his arrest on Wednesday, marking a significant development in a case that has raised concerns about the safety of marginalized individuals in the city.
Manhattan District Attorney Danielle Turcotte indicated during Amazan’s arraignment that the attack on Thompson might not be an isolated incident. Reports reveal that Amazan immigrated from Haiti roughly a year ago. In November 2024, a separate case emerged when a homeless woman arrived at Harlem Hospital, claiming she had been beaten and sexually assaulted. Though she was unable to provide detailed accounts of the incident, investigators collected DNA evidence from her clothing, which was later linked to Amazan.
Additionally, his DNA was connected to another case involving the forcible rape of a homeless woman on the roof of a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) building in the vicinity of Amazan’s shelter. Turcotte noted that Amazan appears to target individuals whose circumstances make it exceedingly challenging for them to report such abuses. As a result, criminal charges related to these two cases are currently pending.
The autopsy report on Thompson revealed multiple traumatic injuries, including damage to her head, face, neck, torso, and limbs, with several broken bones in her neck. Medical examiners determined that she died from neck compression, indicating a violent death. DNA evidence collected from Thompson’s body has also been linked to Amazan, suggesting a possible sexual assault prior to her death.
Amazan was previously arrested on August 12 for offenses related to patronizing a prostitute and public lewdness near the area where Thompson’s body was discovered. After his initial arrest, he was released without bail and was scheduled to return to court on September 19 for these charges. The New York County Defender Services, which is representing Amazan, has refrained from commenting on the current charges.
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of vulnerable individuals within urban environments and underscores the need for enhanced protections for those at risk. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of Amazan’s alleged offenses.
