Nephew Charged With Murder After Disappearance Of Retired Bronx Nurse
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The nephew of a retired Bronx nurse was charged with her murder late Friday, following her disappearance more than a week ago.
Andros Topping, 37, of Queens, was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the case of Patricia Myers, police said.
Earlier in the day, investigators had been searching parks, storm drains and surveillance video for any sign of Myers, 69, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported. Police said her body still had not been found late Friday night after Topping was charged.
Myers had last been seen at her home at 1295 Grand Concourse last Wednesday, police said. Investigators believed foul play may be involved after sources say a cadaver dog got a hit in her bedroom.
"I am just terribly heartbroken over this. I am devastated beyond belief," Myers' friend said. "There are no words that could describe how I feel about her and I'm afraid for her. I really am."
Police sources say the nephew told a family member he did something wrong. They say investigators found Myers' oxygen tanks, cell phone and walker inside her apartment.
The woman's friend said the whole situation is very suspicious.
"She was the type who was very cautious about people," she said. "She had like a sixth-sense about things. That's why I'm surprised by what happened."
State records show the nephew was on parole for attempted burglary and assault. He had been staying with Myers and neighbors said he just arrived last week.
"I thought he was a bum sleeping in the building," said neighbor Floyd Dunlap. "Some people do that. He was always carrying bags and stuff."
"He was supposed to come with his mother. He was knocking at the door for a half hour. She came to the door, said 'hold it," Byers recalled, "She said, 'where's your mother?' He said, 'oh she didn't come, she told me to come."
Byers said he saw the nephew again the next day.
"He said 'my aunt is in the hospital.' I saw her at the door the other day and I haven't seen him since," Byers said.
Records show Topping served 13 years in prison for attempted burglary and assault. He was just released last month.
