Police: Suspect tried to rape Bronx homeless shelter manager before murder

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The suspect in the the brutal murder of a homeless shelter director in the Bronx appeared in court Wednesday afternoon.

Police say the victim, 36-year-old Ana Charle, was kidnapped, stripped down naked, almost raped and then shot dead in the back in broad daylight by a man she once tried to help.

West Spruill, 39, is accused of forcing her at gunpoint into her SUV near the Project Renewal Shelter in the Wakefield section, where he sexually assaulted her. She managed to escape the vehicle, but authorities say Spruill chased her and shot her three times.

Spruill previously served 11 years in prison for attempted murder and assault. He had moved out of the shelter in january.

Charle, 36, of Queens, was found at East 237th Street and Bullard Avenue around 6 p.m. Monday. She had been shot in the head and was taken to Montefiore Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Spruill faces second-degree murder and weapons charges and is being held without bail.

Neighbors described Charle as a sweet mother who kept to herself and was often seen walking on along the sidewalk with her two daughters.

The center released a statement Tuesday saying the staff there is "heartbroken."

"Our hearts and prayers go out to Ana's family. Ana was part of the Project Renewal family. She was a dedicated, wonderful, and loving person. She went above and beyond in her work and put 110 percent into improving the lives of others," it said.

The Department of Homeless Services said it is "deeply saddened."

"Our condolences, prayers and thoughts are with the Charle family. Our DHS and provider staff go above and beyond the call of duty every day to improve the lives of thousands of people living in shelter," said the statement.

The investigation is ongoing.