Ex-con is sought in second Bronx slaying in month
A woman was killed — apparently stabbed repeatedly with a screwdriver — in a back office of a Bronx security firm that proudly has the slogan, “We’re always ready for any confrontation.”
Wanda Rios, 45, was found inside the E. 233rd St. storefront office belonging to M.N.I. Security Specialist Inc. near Bronxwood Ave. in Wakefield about 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, officials said.
She had been stabbed in the neck and body, cops said. A bloody screwdriver was found near her body.
Medics rushed her to Montefiore Medical Center, where she died of her injuries.
Investigators quickly identified ex-con Idris Abdul-Muhaymin, 45, as a suspect in the killing — the same man wanted for the stabbing death of his uncle Owen Dillard, killed in his Mott Haven apartment June 11.
Dillard, 73, had recently won a $10,000 lottery payout and nephew Abdul-Muhaymin was drowning in gambling debts, family members said.
Cops said the suspect, who went to prison for 20 years for a manslaughter conviction in 1992, records show, knew Rios but the details of their relationship were unclear.
Sources said Rios was alone when she was found sprawled on the floor of the office, where she worked as a secretary.
Grief-stricken relatives were shocked by the Mott Haven woman’s death.
“She was the nicest person in the world,” Rios’ father said outside the 47th Precinct stationhouse Wednesday evening. “I can’t believe this. She was married and had a daughter.”
Family members gathered in mourning outside a playground on Cypress Ave. in Mott Haven late Wednesday said they could not rest easy knowing Rios’ killer remains on the loose.
“Please tell me they caught him, or else I have nothing else to say,” said the victim’s husband, who declined to give his name.
Police released photos of Abdul-Muhaymin Wednesday in hopes the public can help track him down.
He is described as 6 feet tall, around 180 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing glasses and a red cap.
Anyone with information is asked to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.