Nicaraguan diplomat Cesar Mercado found dead, nearly decapitated in Bronx building

Posted: September 23, 2010

A Nicaraguan diplomat whose identity has not yet been released by the NYPD was found dead, his throat slashed, in a Bronx building this morning.

The man’s driver discovered his body at around 10:30 am, behind a door at the building on the Grand Concourse near E 180th Street. It is believed that the driver was picking the man up to attend the UN’s General Assembly. Information surrounding the circumstances of both the crime and the man’s identity are currently scarce, but the New York Daily News says:

Sources said the victim was a counselor for the Permanent Mission of Nicaragua to the United Nations. His name hasn’t been released and the mission declined comment.

Spokesman for the NYPD Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Browne told press that the death was currently under investigation and that a knife was found by the man’s body. The building in which he was found is believed to be where he resided.

Update: The victim has been identified as Cesar Mercado.