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NYPD says woman found in trash bag in East Harlem died of a drug overdose
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Charles Lane
Published Oct 30, 2025
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José A. Alvarado Jr. / Gothamist
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Charles Lane
Published Oct 30, 2025
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Police said on Thursday that the woman found in a garbage bag on an East Harlem sidewalk on Monday died of a drug overdose, though detectives were still investigating who brought her there.
Bonnie Schulman-Rice, 35, was discovered wrapped in a black plastic bag at East 124th Street and Park Avenue – steps from the elevated Metro-North Railroad tracks, according to the NYPD.
A passerby notified the MTA police, who called NYPD officers over to investigate at around 6:30 p.m.
Schulman-Rice's body did not have any visible trauma, according to police, and her death was not immediately ruled suspicious.
Officials said Schulman-Rice was homeless, but had an address on West 130th Street and Fifth Avenue from 2018.
She had ties to family members on Long Island, according to relatives who spoke to Gothamist by phone, but they did not want to say much yet about her death as they processed the news.
Police did not make any immediate arrests in the case.
This is a developing story based on preliminary information from police and may be updated.
Tagged
manhattan
nypd
public safety
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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