NYPD identifies suspect in killing of Bay Ridge mother more than a month after her death
Officers responded to Maria Santos Flores’ home on 85th Street shortly after 9 a.m. June 20. Police found the 36-year-old mother dead with her throat slit.
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The NYPD has released photos of the man investigators say killed a 36-year-old mother inside her Bay Ridge home more than a month ago.
Police identified the suspect as 43-year-old Misael Cruz. Neighbors who live on the block where Maria Santos Flores was killed are questioning why it took investigators so long to publicly identify him.
“I find that irresponsible. You got cameras from here all the way down 5th Avenue,” said Davis, a neighbor.
“One month they don’t catch him...Too many people kill and go,” said Renee, another neighbor.
Officers responded to Santos Flores’ home on 85th Street shortly after 9 a.m. June 20. Police found the 36-year-old mother dead with her throat slit.
State Sen. Andrew Gounardes said investigators believe Cruz and Santos Flores knew each other, but a possible motive remains unclear.
“I was shocked, but half of these things you kind of expect to happen these days. Crazy things,” Davis said.
More than a month after the killing, investigators are hoping that releasing Cruz’s name and photo will lead someone to recognize him and help police make an arrest.
“He deserves it, what he did to that girl," said Frank Garcia. “That girl was a very nice girl."
Friends said Santos Flores worked as a bartender at Huatulco Sports Bar in Sunset Park, where customers remembered her as kind and hardworking.
“Very nice girl, very nice to herself. Bartends. Didn’t take no BS from no one,” said Garcia, a customer.
After her death, a GoFundMe helped Santos Flores’ family return her remains to El Salvador, where she was laid to rest.
She leaves behind two children.
“Really upset. I almost got into tears. I even donated,” Garcia said.
Police are asking anyone who has seen Cruz or has information about his whereabouts to contact the 68th Precinct at 718-439-4236 or 818-287-3239.
