3 arrested in robbery, death of Hamilton Heights man
Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the death of 48-year-old Charles Romo, whose body was found tied up and beaten in his Hamilton Heights apartment on Jan. 28, police said.
Keith Stokes, 50, and Ralph Stokes, 52, were both charged with murder and robbery. Bridgette Cash, 38, has been charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.
Romo was found at his home at 87 Hamilton Pl. kneeling against his bed in his underwear with his hands and feet tied, and his mouth taped. Police said that they believed the suspects were acquaintances of Romo and that robbery was the motive in the death, DNAinfo.com reported.
Romo’s death is one of three recent murders that have led to some leaders urging the gay community to be cautious with online dating.
Jackson Heights resident David Rangel, 53, was found choked to death at his home on Jan. 26. And Joseph Benzinger of Middle Village was found dead in a room at the Crown Motor Inn in Elmhurst, Queens on Feb. 9.
