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Joseph Benzinger, a gay NYC sanitation worker, was murdered Saturday night at Crown Motor Inn in Elmhurst by his lover Lleuyel Garcia. Garcia has been charged with murder, robbery, criminal possession of stolen property and tampering with physical evidence.
Police sources said Joseph Benzinger, 54, and Lleuyel Garcia, 23, had a sexual relationship before the murder and had known each other for a few years. Joseph Benzinger is the third gay man to have been murdered in New York City in recent weeks — two in Queens and one in Manhattan.
David Rangel, 53, was found strangled on January 26, in his East Elmhurst co-op. Charles Romo, 48, was found tied up and beaten to death in his Hamilton Heights apartment two days later.
Olympian Oscar Pistorius Arrested After Fatally Shooting Girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius arrested after his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was found shot to death at his Pretoria home early Thursday morning.
The circumstances of the shooting aren’t clear. He is expected to make his first court appearance today. The Paralympian gold medalist will be charged with murder. Reeva Steenkamp was a former FHM model. She was reportedly shot several times — in the head, arm and chest. A 9mm pistol was found at the scene.
According to media reports, Oscar Pistorius, known as the “blade runner,” will face an opposition to bail by the police. Police spokeswoman Denise Beukes said Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp were the only two people present at the home located in the the gated Silver Woods community. There were no signs of forced entry at the home. Beukes said there had been reports about previous problems at Pistorius’ home since 2011 which were “allegations of a domestic nature.”
The Silver Woods Country Estates released a statement on its website saying: ”We are deeply saddened by the tragic circumstances that occurred today at Silver Woods. Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Reeva Steenkamp’s family and friends.”
The Daily Mail is reporting the shooting was accidental, but the South African police aren’t quite so sure about that, saying they are “surprised to hear” media reports that the shooting may have been the result of a case of mistaken identity.
The Mail & Guardian reports Oscar Pistorius will be kept in custody and bail will be opposed. There was no sign of forced entry into Pistorius’ house. Television channel M-Net withdrew its advertising campaign featuring Pistorius on Thursday.
More Updates:
Nothing like getting home to hear the washing machine on and thinking its an intruder to go into full combat recon mode into the pantry! waa
— Oscar Pistorius (@OscarPistorius) November 27, 2012
More tweets:
Spent the afternoon at the Tormezzo Italian Shooting range. Had a 96% headshot over 300m from 50shots! Bam! lockerz.com/s/160337437
— Oscar Pistorius (@OscarPistorius) November 28, 2011
Another winning campaign…Oscar Pistorius ‘I am the bullet’ Nike ad removed from website thedrum.com/bcV
— Aardvark Media(@Aardvarkmedia) February 14, 2013
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