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Woman whose body was found in Brooklyn garbage can was strangled, medical examiner says
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Charles Lane
Published Oct 13, 2026
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A Queens woman whose body was found last month wrapped in blankets inside a garbage can near Plumb Beach in Sheepshead Bay was strangled, the city’s medical examiner has ruled.
Tanaya Campbell Ortiz, 38, of Hollis, died from compression of the neck, and her death was ruled a homicide, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Wednesday.
The ruling comes three weeks after officers found the mother of five’s body at the beach on Sept. 22. Police had not treated her death as a homicide while they waited for the medical examiner, officials said last month. NYPD officials did not provide further updates but said previously that she had bruising, but not enough to declare her death a homicide at the time.
Police have not publicly described a suspect or announced an arrest.
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brooklyn
public safety
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
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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