On Friday, July 5, 2024 a dead body was discovered wrapped in a sleeping bag and secured to a dolly along the sidewalk on East 27th Street in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. The discovery was made around 5 p.m. after police responded to a 911 call concerning a suspicious package.
The scene depicted a dark-colored sleeping bag with the deceased inside, atop a dolly, encircled by black trash bags ready for collection. The dolly was tied to a scaffolding railing with a red strap. The body was found outside a now-shuttered tailor shop, Apel’s Alterations, adding another layer of melancholy to the scene.
The deceased has been identified as Yazmeen Williams, a 31-year-old woman. According to the NYPD, the Medical Examiner determined that Williams died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Chad Irish, 55, has been charged with second-degree murder and weapon possession in connection with Williams’ death. Irish, who has a history of criminal activity including a previous murder charge, was seen on surveillance video in an electric wheelchair using a dolly to transport the body to the location where it was found. He was arrested at his apartment in the nearby Straus Houses. Community members attempted to attack Irish during his arrest, which led to police intervention.
Yazmeen Williams was reportedly preparing to start a new job with the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Her family described her as an educated and ambitious young woman whose life was tragically cut short. The victim’s mother, Nicole Williams, expressed her grief and outrage, calling the suspect “disgusting” for disposing of her daughter’s body in such a manner.
Authorities suspect that Williams was murdered in Irish’s apartment within the Straus Houses. Police report that she was last seen alive on June 23.
Kips Bay, the neighborhood where the body was found, is situated on the East Side of Manhattan. It is known for its mix of residential and commercial properties, including high-rise apartment buildings, hospitals, and small businesses. The neighborhood is home to Bellevue Hospital, one of the oldest public hospitals in the United States, and the city’s largest men’s shelter. This proximity often brings a mix of socioeconomic challenges, including homelessness and mental health issues.
Local residents have expressed concern and unease following the discovery. The incident has sparked a wave of curiosity and concern among residents and passersby, highlighting the neighborhood’s struggles with crime and safety.
Ted Oehmke, a resident of Kips Bay for over 30 years, noted the presence of a BMW SUV with its hatch open near the site the night before. By Friday afternoon, however, the vehicle had vanished. Oehmke expressed his disbelief at the boldness of the act, stating, “That’s a lot of trouble to go through… and then to do all that and then just drop it on the sidewalk.”
The discovery of Williams’ body in such a public and unconventional manner has left a lasting impact on the Kips Bay community. Residents hope for a swift resolution to the case and increased efforts to address the underlying issues contributing to such incidents.