More tests needed for cause of death of woman found in East Harlem apartment

EAST HARLEM, N.Y. (WABC) -- Police are investigating after a woman was found dead in her apartment in East Harlem.

Around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a 911 call of an unconscious person at 435 East 105 St., the Wilson Houses. They found Juana Garcia, 74, unconscious, unresponsive and naked in her home with a cut on her head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

"I'm hoping it's an accident," said Janet Rivera, the victim's friend. "It's scary."

The Medical Examiner said more testing is needed to determine the cause of death.

Her seventh-floor apartment was sealed off Friday and the investigation is ongoing.

"It's kinda upsetting to hear that someone you've known ...it's kinda hard to hear they've passed," said Garcia's friend Savannah Ruiz.

Garcia was a longtime resident at Wilson houses, and was well-known to other neighbors and at a nearby senior center.

"She's a nice lady," said Gracia's friend Janet Rivera.