Police are investigating after a 74-year-old woman was found dead inside a public housing building in East Harlem Thursday afternoon.
The NYPD says that Juana Garcia was found unconscious and unresponsive with a cut to her head at an apartment in the Wilson Houses.
EMS officials also responded, and Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police are investigating and a city medical examiner will determine how the woman died.
One friend told NBC 4 New York she was concerned that the death may be suspicious.
"She was a real nice lady," said neighbor Raymond Diaz. "She comes out and looks out for the little kids. She's quiet, by herself, her and her dog."
Neighbor Janet Rivera said she knew Garcia for a long time.
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"She's nice person," she said. "Who would want to hurt someone elderly? Has to be a sick person."
Maria Alejandro, director of the nearby Gaylord White Senior Center, where Garcia was active, said, "The seniors are really hurting right now. It is very sad. We just don't know what to say or do. We are going to stay together. We are going to pray together."
