Suspect Arrested in Torture and Murder of Young Woman Following Weeklong Search

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A man suspected of torturing and killing his 21-year-old girlfriend in the Bronx has been apprehended following a weeklong manhunt, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Authorities arrested 27-year-old Robert Strother in connection with the death of Princesa Encarnacion-Soto, who was found with multiple stab wounds in a stairwell of a Fordham Heights building on July 22. Police allege that Strother tied Encarnacion-Soto to a bed and inflicted injuries across her body before leaving her to die. The young woman had reportedly been living in the building on Grand Concourse near East 183rd Street with Strother and his mother, Naida Jorge.

Strother was formally charged with multiple offenses, including murder, manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence, hindering prosecution, and concealment of a human corpse. He did not respond to reporters’ questions as he was escorted in handcuffs by officers from the 46th Precinct.

NYPD officials also charged 54-year-old Naida Jorge for allegedly helping clean up the crime scene after the incident. Her involvement came to light as the investigation unfolded, further deepening the gravity of the case.

The suspect was taken into custody on Friday after someone who recognized him from publicly released images contacted law enforcement. Shortly after his arrest, Strother was transported to a hospital. A police spokesperson did not specify the reason for the medical visit.

The NYPD had issued a public alert with Strother’s photo on Thursday, identifying him as the prime suspect. His apprehension came after more than a week of active investigation and public assistance.

The case remains under active investigation as law enforcement works to piece together the events leading up to the crime.