queens woman killed

Queens Woman Found Strangled on Front Steps Amid Feud Over $300; Landscaper Charged with Murder

By Marsh (Edi) Baptise

Queens, New York – A horrifying crime has shaken a quiet neighborhood in Richmond Hill, Queens, after 64-year-old Juliet Kashidas-Singh, a beloved community member and breast cancer survivor, was found murdered on her front steps. Law enforcement officials confirmed that she was discovered with an electrical cord wrapped around her neck, sparking immediate shock and outrage within the community.

Authorities have arrested Francisco Sevilla, a 40-year-old landscaper, in connection with the brutal crime. Sevilla now faces charges of first-degree murder. Investigators revealed that Kashidas-Singh and Sevilla had an ongoing dispute, reportedly over a sum of $300, though the exact nature of the financial conflict remains under investigation. It is believed that Sevilla had previously performed landscaping work for Kashidas-Singh, and tensions had risen over alleged unpaid wages.

The murder took place outside Kashidas-Singh’s residence on 125th Street, a usually peaceful area known for its close-knit community. Neighbors described her as a resilient and kind woman who had fought through her battle with cancer, only to meet a tragic and violent end. Many in the neighborhood recall her as a friendly presence who always made time for a kind word or a wave to those passing by.

The incident has left the local community in mourning, with many calling for swift justice. A candlelight vigil has been planned in front of her home, where friends, family, and neighbors will gather to honor her memory and call for justice. “She was a fighter in every sense, and she didn’t deserve this,” said one neighbor, visibly shaken by the news.

Police continue to piece together the events leading up to the murder, including any possible prior altercations between the suspect and the victim. Reports suggest that Sevilla had a history of volatile behavior, though authorities have yet to confirm any previous criminal charges. Law enforcement officials are also investigating whether Kashidas-Singh had previously reported any threats or harassment.

Sevilla is expected to appear in court soon, where prosecutors will argue for the maximum penalty. His defense team has not yet released a statement regarding the charges. Legal experts predict a high-profile trial, given the brutality of the crime and the attention it has garnered within the community.

Meanwhile, friends and family of Kashidas-Singh are left grappling with the devastating loss of a woman who had already overcome so much in her lifetime. Many hope that justice will be served and that the case will serve as a reminder of the importance of community safety and conflict resolution.

As the investigation unfolds, Richmond Hill residents seek answers and justice for Juliet Kashidas-Singh, whose life was tragically cut short in an act of senseless violence. Local officials have urged anyone with additional information about the case to come forward and assist law enforcement in bringing closure to this heartbreaking incident.