A 64-year-old Queens woman was strangled to death with an electrical cord by a man she had hired to do work at her home, police sources reported. The tragic incident has shocked the Ozone Park community, marking the neighborhood’s first homicide of 2025.
Victim Identified as Juliet Kashidas-Singh
The victim, Juliet Kashidas-Singh, was found dead on the front steps of her home on 103rd Avenue near 105th Street late Thursday night. Kashidas-Singh was a mother and business owner, running a landscaping company that served the community.
Suspect Arrested at the Scene
- Arrested: Francisco Sevilla, 40
- Charges: First-degree murder
- Time of Arrest: Around 1 a.m. Friday
Sevilla was quickly identified as a suspect after police found his wallet at the crime scene.
Suspect Claims He Was Under the Influence
According to police sources, Sevilla admitted to arguing with Kashidas-Singh over an alleged $300 debt. He claimed to be under the influence and does not remember committing the crime.
Community Shocked by Brutal Killing
Neighbors described Kashidas-Singh as a hard-working woman and were deeply disturbed by her tragic death.
Navil Persaud, a neighbor, unknowingly walked up to the scene:
“When I came up, I just watched over and I saw, like, she’s lying down. Like lying down, straight down. For a lady that age, for something like that to happen, that’s terrible.”
A neighbor named Rocky expressed grief:
“It’s a terrible way to go for a human being.”
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder, including Sevilla’s claims of intoxication.
