Arrest in murder of Queens woman, NYC's first homicide of the new year

WOODHAVEN, Queens (WABC) -- The NYPD has made an arrest in connection with New York City's first homicide of the new year, after a 19-year old woman was found strangled and beaten in Queens.

Officers found Joceline Romo's body in her Woodhaven apartment just before 11 p.m. Friday.

Police say 24-year-old Fabian Maliza of Queens has been charged with second-degree murder.

The woman was discovered unresponsive, face down in a bed. Police went to the home to respond to a report of an unconscious person.

The Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide after finding evidence of strangulation and head trauma.