Neighbors and friends react after woman choked to death near Times Square

MANHATTAN (PIX11) — Shocking developments have emerged about a young woman who was stalked on the street before being choked and beaten to death just steps from Times Square.

Police say the suspect and the victim did not know one another.

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The young woman from Hell’s Kitchen, Leslie Torres, was mysteriously found unconscious and clinging to life on Restaurant Row, on October 29th. Court records show Torres, 23, was rushed to the hospital on October 29 but was taken off life support last week.

“She was in a coma and died a horrible death,” said the victim’s neighbor, Johnny Wilcox.

On Tuesday afternoon, police arrested 33-year-old Jaheem Warren of Prospect Park, New Jersey. He was charged with murder and strangulation.

“This was just a random attack on her,” said friend, Asia Johnson.

Police sources say the ex-con was likely on a drug binge and randomly stalked Torres in the early morning hours. In a heinous, unprovoked act, he allegedly strangled her on West 46th Street near 8th Avenue, beating her and leaving Torres unconscious.

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