Ana Charle Killed After Bronx Homeless Shelter Was Denied Extra Security By NYC
Police say West Spruill allegedly killed Ana Charle while she walked to her car near the Project Renewal Shelter, a Bronx homeless shelter. Reports are claiming that New York City ignored their pleas for extra security before Spruill attempted to rape Charle in broad daylight.
In a related report by the Inquisitr, reports say that West Spruill had Ana Charle killed after being forced to strip naked in the car. When Charle decided to fight back against her assailant before he could rape her, she was able to break free long enough to try and make a run for it. As Charle ran through the street naked during the early evening, Spruill chased her down while similarly lacking clothing.
When he could not catch her, he ended the chase by allegedly raising his .40-caliber handgun and shooting Charle three times — once in the head, a second in her cheek, and the third in her chest.
“The victim fell to the ground, and the defendant stood over her, shooting her multiple times,” said assistant District Attorney Georgia Barker.
Ana Charle’s death has caused NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio to express concern about the shooting.
“We are shocked by this horrific death,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ana Charle’s family, friends and fellow Homeless Services workers… ensuring their safety is of utmost important to us.”
Before her death, Charle had expressed concerns to friends about the security of the Bronx homeless shelter and was actively looking for another job.
“She was trying to leave because it was becoming so unsafe,” said Gary Alcindor, a former boyfriend, according to the New York Times. “She was in the interview process. She had started to coach her assistant to replace her. She was looking for other jobs.”
Project Renewal Shelter serves many people who are battling addiction and mental illnesses, and police officers have received hundreds of 911 calls related to the Bronx homeless shelter. Due to this history, community leaders requested a greater security presence from NYC Department of Homeless Services officials four months before West Spruill allegedly killed Ana Charle in such a horrific fashion. Unfortunately, these requests were denied.
“I’m not saying anything that DHS had done could have saved this woman,” said City Council member Andrew Cohen. “But I don’t have any confidence that DHS is taking these concerns seriously.”
In response to the controversy, State Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is demanding that the Project Renewal Shelter be shut down.
West Spruill is being held without bail and will be back in court on May 1, 2015. When he first appeared before a judge, he rejected his appointed lawyer and claimed he would represent himself at the trial.
