NEW YORK – Police announced Tuesday that they have arrested the suspect responsible for the brutal murder of a 91-year-old man who was found dead last week and tied up in his own garage in the Bronx.
New York City Police officers first allegedly responded to the crime scene after receiving a call about an attempted robbery on August 3, but instead found the body of Nicholas Rappa who had been beaten and tied up in your own garage.
Investigators say 32-year-old Luis Bonilla allegedly used electrical cables to tie Rappa’s hands, leaving him with head and arm injuries at his Bronx home in Wickham Avenue near Waring Avenue.
Officers said they received a 9-1-1 call about an ongoing robbery at the scene shortly after noon Tuesday. When they arrived, Rappa was no longer responding.
While the events that led to the 91-year-old man’s violent beating are still unclear, a family friend told our sister network NBC New York He tried to intervene but the suspect left. Police say the suspect wore an orange and white construction vest and left in a white van.
Authorities announced Bonilla’s arrest Monday, saying the Bronx man faces charges of murder, manslaughter, robbery and assault.
The NYPD had previously announced a $ 10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. It was not clear how the police located Bonilla, and information for his lawyer was not available.
Neighbors say the victim was a mainstay in the Pelham Gardens neighborhood and lived in the home with his 95-year-old wife for decades. His sudden and violent death has left the community in fear.
“It’s very scary because you know this neighborhood is very quiet. The gentleman was very kind. He talked to everyone. He talked to my children. This is a shock“Tanya Zondo said.
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