NEW YORK, NY – A devastating burglary in Upper Manhattan led to the tragic death of a 73-year-old resident, raising concerns about safety and recurrent crime in the neighborhood.

The police reported that the incident occurred early Saturday morning in Washington Heights, where a man accessed a sixth-floor apartment through a window near West 161st Street and Broadway. Once inside, he opened the front door and admitted two accomplices.

Inside the apartment, the trio encountered a 40-year-old resident, whom they tied up. They then proceeded to steal an $8,000 gold chain and $200 in cash before making their escape.

At the time of the burglary, Jacinto Remigio, 73, was out walking his dog. Upon his return, he discovered the aftermath of the break-in while his son was already contacting the police. Tragically, shortly after officers arrived, Remigio fell to his death from the apartment’s window.

The authorities suspect that Remigio accidentally fell due to intoxication while trying to shut the window, the same entry point used by the burglars. This was not the first burglary at Remigio’s apartment, which might have been targeted because he owned a sneaker store and was thought to store cash there.

Eyewitness accounts and building surveillance footage have become integral to the investigation. Neighbors are bewildered, as Henrique Sobrinho expressed, “It’s just terrible. And my condolences to him and his entire family – it’s awful.”

Investigators continue to piece together how the intruders managed to reach the sixth floor. Initial findings suggest that one suspect climbed the building’s scaffolding and used the fire escape to access the window.

This incident has shaken the Washington Heights community, and Mr. Remigio’s death raises concerns about safety and the prevalence of such crimes in the area. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives examining all possible evidence to bring those responsible to justice.