BROOKLYN, NY – A devastating murder-suicide occurred in a Brooklyn apartment, leaving two individuals dead, according to the police. In Cypress Hills, police responded to a 911 call on Friday evening at a first-floor residence on Logan Street near Etna Street. They discovered Luz Espinal, 43, and a 40-year-old male, each with fatal gunshot wounds to the head. A gun was found near the deceased man.
Police are treating the deadly incident as a murder-suicide pending confirmation from an autopsy. The gunman’s identity remains withheld until his family can be notified.
Espinal, a former home care aide, was a mother of two sons and a 7-year-old girl. She lived in the same apartment where the shooting occurred. Neighbors and the building’s superintendent described a recent change in her life- Espinal had started a relationship with a man who was notably controlling. They claimed this man had even made Espinal delete all her social media accounts.
Unable to reach Espinal, her sister from the Dominican Republic called the building’s superintendent to check on her. He went to her apartment with his wife but found no trace of her, although her dog could be heard inside.
Her boyfriend of only a few months was often with her, and her behavior seemed to change after she met him, according to the superintendent. Espinal, who used to be a lively woman who enjoyed karaoke, had become quieter since December.
Neighbors have begun showing their respect and condolences, with a small memorial with candles set up near Espinal’s apartment.