Astoria Rape/Murder

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Permalink Reply by JessieB 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff on April 13, 2010 at 1:48pm

unfortunately you cant get away from the occasional tragedy. I feel deeply sadenned for the family of this girl, however feel that Astoria is still a safe neighborhood where people just need to keep mindful of bad situations. Needless to say I'm getting pepperspray for my wife

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Permalink Reply by Emily Cintron on April 15, 2010 at 12:01pm

Does anyone know if there was ever even a suspect in this case? I just googled it and I couldn't find any news reports after the initial ones describing what happened. Creepy.

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Permalink Reply by Jen Rock on April 15, 2010 at 1:11pm

They suspected it was a man who knew her. I'm not sure what came of that.

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