Man Pleads Guilty to Murder in Heinous Assault of 92-Year-Old Woman
A man has pleaded guilty to murder in connection with the “heinous assault” of a 92-year-old woman who was walking near her Queens home on a cold January night in 2020, according to the local district attorney.
Reeaz Khan, 24 years old, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to second-degree murder and first-degree attempted rape. He now faces 22 years to life in prison on the murder charge and eight years in prison on the attempted rape charge. Khan is scheduled to be sentenced on July 6.
The incident occurred on January 6, 2020, when Khan was captured on surveillance video approaching Maria Fuertes from behind as she was walking down 127th Avenue in the Richmond Hill neighborhood around midnight. The video shows both of them falling to the ground.
They fell behind a parked car, where they remained out of view of the cameras for 4 to 5 minutes. After that, Khan went out alone. Approximately 5 minutes later, he was seen in the footage with his pants unbuttoned and running.
A few hours later, at around 2:14 a.m., Fuertes was discovered by a passerby who called 911. She was barely conscious and incoherent when she was taken to a local hospital, where she later died.
Doctors determined that Fuertes had suffered a fractured spine and ribs, as well as bruises to her neck and chest, among other injuries. The subsequent autopsy revealed that she died from blunt force trauma and hypothermia.
Fuertes’s death deeply affected the tight-knit community. Neighbors described her as a woman who lived for her cats and her family. Her door was filled with cans of cat food, and it was known that she would go out late at night to buy cat food. Some speculated that she may have been doing just that when she was attacked.
The entire community was left stunned by the tragedy, with many questioning why someone would harm such a vulnerable and beloved member of their neighborhood.
The guilty plea brings some closure to the case, but the pain and loss felt by Fuertes’s family and the community will undoubtedly endure. The sentencing on July 6 will determine the punishment Khan will face for his heinous crimes.
What charges did the defendant plead guilty to in relation to the brutal attack on the elderly woman?
Eaded guilty to second-degree murder and other charges related to the brutal attack on the elderly woman. The incident shocked the community and led to a widespread outcry for justice.
The assault took place on January 6, 2020, as the victim was walking near her home. Khan approached her from behind, violently attacked her, and left her injured on the ground. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries and passed away a few days later.
The local district attorney described the assault as a “heinous” act, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim and the brutality of the attack. The community came together in support of the victim and her family, demanding justice for this senseless crime.
Authorities were able to apprehend Khan shortly after the incident thanks to surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts. The evidence clearly pointed to his involvement in the attack, leading to his arrest.
During his court appearance, Khan admitted to his guilt, pleading guilty to second-degree murder. He also pleaded guilty to additional charges, including assault and robbery.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, but prosecutors believe it was a random act of violence. The victim did not know Khan, and there was no apparent connection between them. The senselessness of the crime only adds to the shock and outrage felt by the community.
As part of his plea agreement, Khan faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. While nothing can bring back the life that was taken, it is hoped that this guilty plea and subsequent sentencing will bring some measure of closure to the victim’s family and the community at large.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for the crimes committed against them. The community’s determination to hold the perpetrator accountable is a testament to their commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.
This is a tragic and heartbreaking case. It is good to see that justice is being served, and I hope the family of the victim can find some closure knowing that the perpetrator has pleaded guilty. Such acts of violence against the elderly are utterly unacceptable, and we must continue to work towards ensuring their safety and wellbeing in our communities.