Latest update December 4th, 2024 2:40 AM
NY landlady charged with killing, dismembering Guyanese mom
New York (New York Daily News) – A 42-year-old Brooklyn woman accused of killing and dismembering a mom of four
Charged: Leah Cuevas
who was a tenant in her uncle’s building — and scattering her remains across Long Island — was ordered held without bail Thursday morning, authorities said.
“Yes!” family members of Chinelle Latoya Thompson Browne whispered to themselves in court as a judge ordered Leah Cuevas back to a holding cell following the brief court appearance in Islip.
Browne’s aunt, who flew to the U.S. with the victim’s distraught husband, Dale Browne, held up her arms in a victory gesture.
“(Cuevas) is charged with the worst conduct that humans can be capable of,” Judge G. Ann Spelman said as she ordered the alleged killer held without bail. “The District Attorney’s evidence is more than compelling. It’s very strong.”
Prosecutors say Cuevas stabbed Chinelle Browne in the neck and torso repeatedly during a heated argument inside her Sumpter St. apartment in Brownsville on July 5.
“No Leah! What she doing?” Browne was allegedly heard screaming during the fatal blow up. “Oh no! Oh no! I’m sorry!”
“That was the last time the victim was heard alive,” Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Robert Biancavilla said Wednesday.
Cuevas killed Browne because the young mom refused to pay her $200, neighbors told the Daily News.
Cuevas allegedly said Browne owed her the money for electricity, but the Guyanese native refused to pay, claiming she wasn’t getting enough power and needed the money to move out, according to Donald Watson, 49.
“She was tired of paying for lighting and having it go out, or the refrigerator going out and spoiling the food,” Watson said. “(Browne) said she wanted to take her money and move out but the landlord said ‘no.’ She wanted the $200 … but (Browne) said I need the $200 to move out.”
Cuevas is the niece of the building’s owner, who died last year, neighbors said. Browne lived with a family on the floor above Cuevas.
Since Cuevas’ uncle died, it’s been unclear who owns the building, neighbors said.
“(Cuevas) is a lady claiming to be a landlord,” said neighbor Lerron Straker.
The fights between Cuevas and Browne were loud — and often public, Watson explained.
Victim: Chinelle Latoya Thompson Browne
“(Cuevas) was an evil lady … she would come out screaming, ‘This is my building!’” he said. “You’d hear them arguing. You’d see the police out here. They’d tell them to go to small claims court. It’s been going on for a long time,” Watson said.
Browne, who emigrated to the U.S. a year ago, was reported missing July 5 after her fight with Cuevas. The two also allegedly argued on Independence Day.
On July 8, Browne’s remains were found in Long Island. Her legs and torso, which bore a tattoo that helped police identify her, were found in a municipal parking lot in Bay Shore less than a mile from Cuevas’ sister’s home, prosecutors said. The next day, an arm was discovered on the front lawn of a home in Hempstead. A second arm was found within the week.
Browne’s severed head was discovered on Boylston St. near Chamberlain St. in Hempstead on July 17, officials said.
Suffolk County Homicide detectives nabbed Cuevas with the help of the U.S. Marshals’ New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Police said the investigation was still active, meaning an accomplice who helped her dispose of the body may still be at large.
Dale Browne said his wife moved to the U.S. first to secure a job and find an apartment. He was going to move to the city with their kids after he got his paperwork in order, he said.
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