Bronx Man Facing Murder Charge Initially Blamed Muggers In Woman's Death, Police Say

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Bronx man initially blamed three muggers in the death of his girlfriend before later admitting to killing her, police said.

Araceles Colon, 45, was found with a gunshot wound to her abdomen Thursday night near Macombs Dam Park near Yankee Stadium. She was later declared dead at Lincoln Hospital.

Police said Jonathan Sanchez, 33, told officers three muggers tried to steal Colon's purse and that they opened fire when he intervened.

Authorities said he later changed his story and Sanchez admitted he was the one who pulled the trigger, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported.

The NYPD believes jealousy may have been a factor, saying Sanchez thought Colon may have been seeing another man, Schuck reported.

Colon's family lived nearby on Woodycrest Avenue, but said she had recently moved out and had been living in a shelter in Brooklyn.

Sanchez faces murder and weapons charges.

An investigation is underway.

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