Anya Johnston: NY woman stabbed elderly neighbor to death to fulfill 'fantasy about committing a murder'

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

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Anya Johnston, a 29-year-old woman from Manhattan, has been sentenced to spend 20 years to life in state prison for the brutal stabbing death of her elderly neighbor, Susan Trott, in 2018.

The sentencing, announced this week by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr, follows Johnston's conviction by a jury in March on charges of second-degree murder.

Anya Johnston's mental health struggles lead to deadly consequences

Johnston and Trott were residents of the same building in the Upper West Side of Manhattan and were "acquainted as neighbors." However, the suspect's mental health struggles, and "fantasy about committing a murder," culminating in a tragic and senseless act of violence.

The events unfolded on the afternoon of October 17, 2018, when Johnston, after running errands and closing her bank account, made her way to Trott's apartment.

Police discover Susan Trott's body during welfare check

Armed with an M48 Cyclone knife from her backpack, Johnston viciously attacked Trott, stabbing her in the lower back and neck. Following the fatal assault, she returned to her own apartment and concealed the murder weapon in a stairwell.

Concerns arose when Trott's business partner failed to reach her, prompting a welfare check by the police on October 21, 2018. Tragically, officers discovered the victim's lifeless body in her apartment.

Evidence links Anya Johnston to Susan Trott's brutal murder

An investigation led authorities to Johnston's residence, where incriminating evidence, including clothing and shoes worn by the suspect during the attack, was found. Trott's blood was identified on Johnston's clothes, leading to her arrest on October 31, 2018.

In response to the heinous crime, District Attorney Bragg condemned Johnston's actions, stating, "Anya Johnston callously took the life of her neighbor Susan Trott, a lifelong New Yorker with a kind-hearted, generous spirit."

“To Ms Trott’s family and loved ones, Johnston robbed them of a friend, mentor and business partner. Since her loss, they have experienced overwhelming emotional pain, and I hope today’s sentence can offer them a sense of justice knowing Johnston has been held accountable.”