Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Man indicted for allegedly murdering Manhattan woman, hiding her body in sleeping bag
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Aug 12, 2024
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 .
Charles Lane / Gothamist
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Aug 12, 2024
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
The man accused of killing 31-year-old Manhattanite Yazmeen Williams and disposing of her body in a sleeping bag on a sidewalk in Kips Bay last month pleaded not guilty on Monday to multiple charges.
A grand jury indicted 55-year-old Chad Irish on charges of fatally shooting Williams and then concealing her body around the corner from their shared residence on East 28th Street, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office. In addition to second-degree murder, Irish faces counts of criminal possession of a weapon, concealment of a human corpse and tampering with physical evidence.
“As alleged, Chad Irish cut the life of Yazmeen Williams short in this unspeakable tragedy, compounding the crime by so callously disposing of her body,” Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said in a statement. “Ms. Williams had her whole life ahead of her and was looking forward to starting a new chapter with a job at the New York City Housing and Preservation and Development that week.”
An attorney for Irish did not immediately return a request for comment on Monday. Court records show he was ordered held without bail.
Prosecutors said Irish and Williams had been living together since November 2023 and arguing via text in the days leading up to the shooting. On June 26, while they argued in their building’s hallway, he threatened to shoot her, according to the DA’s office. A few days later, Irish allegedly shot Williams in her head.
Then on July 5, prosecutors said, Irish left his apartment in a wheelchair and dragged Williams’ body wrapped in a sleeping bag, placed on a black plastic dolly. He left it on East 27th Street among garbage bags, according to the indictment.
Police said they found Williams’ body after responding to a 911 call about a suspicious package with a foul odor. At the time, neighbors told Gothamist that the bag was swarming with flies and emitted a strong, foul odor.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
manhattan
Catalina Gonella
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Bronx homeowners facing foreclosure are in the market for assistance
Some are looking for information and legal guidance, but also help clearing worrisome balances.
By
Willow Higgins
Published Oct 9, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
Cornell students warned of fraternity 'rape culture' years before Jane Doe case
Former students say Jane Doe’s rape allegations could have been avoided had the university heeded their calls for action.
By
Walter Wuthmann
News
Cornell students warned of fraternity 'rape culture' years before Jane Doe case
Former students say Jane Doe’s rape allegations could have been avoided had the university heeded their calls for action.
By
Walter Wuthmann
ICE agent fires 7 rounds, shoots man in neck in NYC's Marble Hill, NYPD says
By
Giulia Heyward
and
Arya Sundaram
Lazy drivers in Prospect Heights lose chance for 1 less day of alternate-side parking
By
Liam Quigley
Jersey City mayor shakes up staff amid $255M budget gap
By
Michael Sol Warren
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 .