Woman who expressed fears of dying on NYC streets in 2015 found dead by police in 2025.

In a tragic and unsettling incident, Shivonne Thompson, a homeless woman who lived in East Harlem, was discovered dead on July 1, 2025, under an overpass near the Harlem River Drive. Her body exhibited severe trauma, leading to a police investigation that subsequently identified Audoine Amazan, a 38-year-old man with a history of preying on vulnerable populations, as the alleged perpetrator. Amazan, who himself was also homeless and residing in a shelter, has been charged with second-degree murder and first-degree strangulation.

Thompson, born in the Bronx, faced an ongoing battle with mental illness and homelessness. In interviews conducted ten years ago, she candidly shared her struggles, detailing how financial difficulties led to her becoming homeless and living on the streets for over five years at that time. Despite her efforts to seek housing support, including her reliance on a monthly disability stipend from the Social Security Administration, Thompson expressed deep fears for her safety, particularly during harsh winter months.

On June 30, 2025, surveillance footage captured Thompson in the vicinity of the Harlem overpass, where she was last seen with Amazan. The following day, emergency responders were called to the scene, where they found her lifeless body, displaying signs of severe trauma. A city Medical Examiner later determined the cause of death to be neck compression caused by multiple fractures in Thompson’s neck.

Two months post the incident, police arrested Amazan, after DNA evidence linked him to Thompson. According to prosecutors, there were indications of sexual contact prior to her death. Amazan’s record includes previous arrests for offenses such as patronizing a prostitute and public lewdness. Furthermore, Assistant District Attorney Danielle Turcotte revealed that he had a troubling history of targeting vulnerable individuals, including other homeless women.

As this case unfolds, it reveals broader issues surrounding homelessness, mental health, and violence against marginalized populations in urban environments. The tragic fate of Shivonne Thompson highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to address the vulnerabilities faced by individuals living on the streets. Despite attempts to locate Thompson’s family for comment, information remains scarce, echoing the solitary existence many facing similar struggles endure.

As Amazan awaits his trial, the implications of this case resonate throughout the community, drawing attention to the pressing realities of homelessness and the critical necessity for supportive services and protective measures for those most often overlooked in society. The case presents a complex narrative that underscores not only the individual tragedy but also a collective societal responsibility to foster safety and support for vulnerable individuals.

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