Suspect accused of raping teen in Queens remanded into custody after arraignment
FLUSHING, Queens (WABC) -- The man accused of raping a 13-year-old girl at Kissena Park in Queens made his first appearance on Wednesday afternoon.
He appeared with his public defender and an interpreter but did not say anything during the court hearing. He was remanded and will stay in custody.
Christian Geovanny Inga-landi, 25, was arrested after community members say they recognized him just hours after police released surveillance images.
A group tracked him down at a deli in Corona, where they punched and kicked him, and detained him until police arrived.
Inga-Landi waived his Miranda rights and told police he had a drug problem and had never done anything like this before, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said.
The suspect also told investigators he found the large knife police said he used to force the 13-year-old and her schoolmate into a secluded part of Kissena Park.
During the arraignment, prosecutors revealed more disturbing details, including that Inga-Landi admitted to detectives he gagged both teens before cutting the victim's shorts.
The two teens were able to get away after the rape and tell their school what happened.
Police credit the victim herself and her 13-year-old schoolmate, who was also forcibly taken, for giving a description of the person and a distinctive tattoo, which enabled a quality sketch.
"Between the courageous work of those children, who are scarred for life, and the community this person is off the street," Chief of Patrol John Chell said.
Inga-Landi is facing multiple charges including rape, sex abuse, robbery, menacing, unlawful imprisonment, kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a weapon.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz spoke after the arraignment and thanked the community for their help in catching him, but also to the bravery of the two victims.
"It is amazing then from what they went through, their identification, their you know, their memory of the tattoo, the braces, all which was right on point, which is a remarkable thing for two 13-year-olds to remember," Katz said. "And then the manhunt that ensued after that in this city. I do want to thank the individuals who made phone calls, who gave tips, who made sure we found Christian Inga in a timely fashion."
Inga-Landi has no prior arrests in New York City and one out-of-state arrest for entering the United States illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas in June 2021. He has three summonses and one domestic violence incident in the 107th Precinct, which did not require an arrest.
Investigators were able to match DNA from a water bottle left at the scene to a sample that was given to immigration officials.
His next court appearance is set for July 1. He could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
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