Neighbors say Cyril Williams didn't bother anyone, kept to himself and was trying to live out the rest of his days in peace.
But police say Monday night someone targeted the elderly man.
The 83-year-old was robbed, tied up and strangled inside his 216th street corner home, according to police.
Commissioner Kelly says "He was found with a coat hanger used to tie his hands. His feet were bound with his bathrobe. And duct tape put over his mouth. Assailants entered the house through the basement window."
The medical examiners office says the killer strangled the Queens Village man with their bare hands.
As vicious as the attack was neighbors didn't hear a thing. "There were uniform plain clothes. Detectives asked us questions," said Harrell Lalle.
Neighbors say Mr. Williams lived in this home for about 30 years. Then two years ago his wife passed away, leaving him alone, lonely and vulnerable.
"Since his wife died he had delusions. He called the police one day and said he was missing his wife. But she had already died," said Janet Rottansingh.
Rottansingh says the retired postal worker and WWII vet spent three months in the hospital.
He recently came home and had a visiting nurse take care of him.
Police say that nurse found his body.
Web Produced By Scott Curkin
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
USEFUL LINKS:
