Ana Asencio: 84-year-old Manhattan woman's death ruled homicide from elder abuse

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: In a shocking turn of events, authorities have declared the death of 84-year-old Ana Asencio, whose lifeless body was discovered in her Upper West Side apartment last year, a homicide resulting from elder abuse.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) revealed that Asencio was found face-up in her W. 93rd St. residence near Columbus Ave. on July 17, 2023, with signs of trauma, including bruising to her neck and head injuries.

Ana Asencio's death ruled a homicide

The NYPD disclosed on Monday, January 15, that the chief medical examiner’s office recently classified Asencio's death as a homicide, pointing to evidence that she was choked. Despite these findings, no arrests have been made, leaving the investigation into this distressing case ongoing.

Detectives are actively pursuing leads to identify potential suspects in the elder abuse that led to Asencio's tragic demise. Police were alerted to the situation after receiving a call from a worried relative who urged officers to check on Asencio.

Lawyers from the Manhattan district attorney’s office visited the apartment building, sharing images of Asencio’s injuries with neighbors as part of the investigative process.

Who was Ana Asencio?

Asencio, a retired public school teacher battling dementia, lived in squalor with her son, as revealed by neighbors. Descriptions of her living conditions paint a distressing picture, with a caring neighbor, Migdalia Rodriguez, stating that Asencio was often left alone in a cluttered apartment.

“Her son lives here but she was really all alone,” said the neighbor and added, “I would knock on the door once in a while to see if she’s OK.” Rodriguez and her mother extended their assistance, providing food and aid with daily tasks.

“Her legs were swollen, she needed help to get around. The apartment was always a mess. It’s a miracle it doesn’t smell,” added the neighbor. Rodriguez expressed her shock and sorrow over Asencio's tragic fate, emphasizing that the elderly woman "didn’t deserve this" despite her struggles with dementia, Daily News reported.

Rodriguez said, “She wasn’t in her right mind but she was a lovely lady.”