Niece charged with murder, accused of killing aunt with hammer in NYC apartment

EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- The niece of a woman discovered dead in her bathtub with head trauma was charged with bludgeoning her with a hammer.

Kristie Miro, 30, has been in custody since she attempted to stop police officers from entering the East 100th Street apartment to check on her aunt Friday night.
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She was charged with murder on Monday morning.

Detectives believe the two had an ongoing dispute that escalated. Miro then allegedly struck 56-year-old Ana Nieves in the head with a hammer.



Nieves was discovered dead and fully clothed in the tub, blood on her face and bruises on her head.



Miro has been in custody since then. She has a criminal history, as well as past treatment for emotional distress.
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Nieves also had a lengthy criminal history, linked to narcotics

A neighbor, who lives on the upper floor from the victim, previously said the victim was happy and did not know of any issues.

ALSO READ | Vigil held to remember woman followed into her NYC apartment and murdered


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