Nab Bronx Men For E. Elmhurst Murder
Detectives collared two Bronx men last week accused of robbing and choking to death a 53-year-old man in his East Elmhurst apartment in January, police reported.
Law enforcement sources said 20- year-old Cecil Golden of Fulton Avenue was taken into custody last Wednesday, Mar. 20, following questioning by members of the 115th Precinct Detective Squad in connection with the murder of 53-year-old David Rangel of 91st Street.
Golden’s alleged cohort in the case-identified by the NYPD as 19- year-old Elijah Agyepong of Franklin Avenue-was booked by detectives the following day, Thursday, Mar. 21.
According to police, the incident occurred sometime between midnight on Jan. 25 and 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 inside Rangel’s apartment on the thirdfloor of an apartment house on 91st Street between 32nd Avenue and Northern Boulevard.
Based on information obtained by police, it was determined that Golden attempted to contact Rangel before he and Agyepong allegedly came to the victim’s apartment. Reportedly, the duo was observed by witnesses entering the apartment house and climbing up the staircase prior to the incident.
Once inside Rangel’s apartment, according to the criminal complaint provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, Agyepong allegedly struck Rangel and placed him in a chokehold. Seconds later, he reportedly slammed Rangel to the floor and demanded money.
Law enforcement sources said that Agyepong then released Rangel, then allegedly dragged a nearby couch and dropped it on top of the victim.
The two suspects reportedly ransacked the apartment, taking an iPad and a cell phone (among other property) and fled from the scene.
Rangel’s body was discovered at around 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 by residents and officers from the 115th Precinct. An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that he died of compression to his neck and torso.
Golden and Agyepong were charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree murder. According to a spokesperson for Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, they were arraigned in Queens Criminal Court last Thursday night before Judge Gia Morris and ordered held without bail.
Both suspects are scheduled to return to court on Apr. 4, court records indicated.
