Astoria Rape/Murder

You've probably heard about it already, but a young Astoria woman was raped/murdered over the weekend. She was a 23 year old FIT student living on 30th Ave. between 48th and 47th streets. Here's the story from Fox5. As a reminder to all women, you should always carry a can of pepper spray in your purse and on your nightstand--no matter how safe you feel.

Tags: astoria, murder, rape

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Permalink Reply by Yvonne Fitness Diva on July 13, 2009 at 10:54am: This is a definite wake up call, because I know that I, myself, get lulled into a false sense of security about the safeness of this neighborhood at times. However, i always remain super vigilant when walking around, especially at night. I scrutinize and keep tabs on everybody walking on whatever street I'm on, and am very careful when going into my building. Sounds like this girl might have opened the door for someone who knocked or rang, since they broke the door chain. That's a big no no. So sorry to know that this happened to her.
This is way too close to home for me...I live right off 30th Ave, myself.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by kerrigankrewe on July 13, 2009 at 5:41pm: I was just replying to a friend about how safe my neighborhood is: I can jog in the morning without fear, etc etc.

I felt that way until I read this article.

I live on 30th and 45th St.

Not to downplay it, but I really hope there was a direct motive.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ran Craycraft on July 13, 2009 at 5:45pm: Totally. I live nearby, too, and thought this was the safest part of Astoria (still may be). But I can't emphasize enough how important it is to always use street smarts when out at night and always have pepper spray.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jessica Beland on July 14, 2009 at 9:02pm: Callme crazy but there has been a HUGE increase in the amount of attacks in astoria in the past two years. I wouldnt be surprised if we have a serial rapist. Honestly, I have a friend that was assaulted on 21 and Ditmars.. I was once followed home (luckily a neighbor coming home pulled up and the guy took off)

Ladies, please be safe and be careful and aware of your surroundings.. and yes.. carry pepperspray; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ran Craycraft on July 15, 2009 at 1:30am: Yes, a friend of mine was attacked last year on 44th and 25th ave, but was able to fight the attacker off after taking a punch to the face and being wrestled to the ground. Nowhere in NYC is "safe". Afterwards, the cops discouraged her from hanging up flyers warning people about it for fear that it would interfere with their investigation. They said this guy had attacked several women the same way and they were about to catch him. Ugh. Pepper spray.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Andrew on July 14, 2009 at 11:07pm: I've lived nearby the scene of the crime for my entire life and nothing, and I mean nothing, like this has ever happened before. I can't remember the last time a person was mugged or even jumped in the streets surrounding this area. It was truly shocking and disturbing; I'm confident in saying that this event was an outlier and that this is NOT the norm. It's always best to practice caution especially at any time of the evening but I walk these streets at all hours of the night and have for many years without the slightest hiccup. My deepest condolences go out to the friends and family members of the victim.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by MaureenBR on July 15, 2009 at 12:46pm: I knew Carmen, and this is absolutely horrifying. She was such a sweet, intelligent girl. I live off of 30th Ave. as well and have never felt threatened walking the streets of Astoria. Needless to say, I am getting myself pepper spray immediately.; ▶ Reply to This