Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
[Updated] East Harlem Granny Apparently Killed For Her Flat-Screen TV
By
Garth Johnston
Published Oct 26, 2011
Modified Oct 26, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
WABC
By
Garth Johnston
Published Oct 26, 2011
Modified Oct 26, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
[Update Below] A 73-year-old East Harlem granny was found dead in her apartment yesterday, tied up and suffocated with plastic. Though police are still investigating, it appears Julia Hernandez was murdered for a flat screen TV, some jewelry and some cash. "Whoever killed her, you’re going to get it and we’re going to find you," one of Hernandez's daughters, Elaine, told reporters last night.
Hernandez's other daughter, Jeanette Hernandez, found her mother last night about 7:40 p.m. after being unable to reach her all day. She borrowed a key from a neighbor and walked in to find "My mother was dead on the floor. She seemed like they had suffocated her, and they had her tied up. It was an apparent robbery."
Hernandez had lived in the Wagner houses on East 120th street for half a century. "A beautiful older woman, who was born and raised here," her granddaughter Jasminda Otero Hernandez remembered last night. "Everyone knew her. Everyone loved her. Everyone knows her. Why would they do this awful thing to her? I hope you enjoy your flat-screen TV. I really do. I hope you enjoy it."
Police are reportedly questioning a neighbor who saw a man entering the apartment, but no arrests have been made. Still, the grandmother's family is out for blood. "And we’re going to choke you, OK, for what you did to my mother," Elaine Hernandez said. "That’s all I got to say."
Update: Police are now looking to question 35-year-old Gregory Velez for his connection to the death of Hernandez. Velez is black, about 6-feet tall and weighs about 180 pounds. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Tagged
crime
east harlem
flat screen tv
granny attack
julia hernandez
killing
manhattan
nypd
wagner houses
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home
The woman is in stable condition, police said, but several people were stabbed.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 24, 2026 at 8:35 a.m. ET
3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes
The incumbent slate, formerly backed by the teacher's union, lost that influential support over public arguments and controversies.
By
Michael Sol Warren
News
3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes
The incumbent slate, formerly backed by the teacher's union, lost that influential support over public arguments and controversies.
By
Michael Sol Warren
5 men charged with trespassing in 2 Manhattan manhole cases
By
Charles Lane
6-year-old girl breaks leg after getting hit by falling bricks in Queens
By
Charles Lane
Mamdani extends ban on permits for new street fairs due to NYPD overtime
By
Carol Chen
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .