New York – In a deeply disturbing case, 27-year-old A. Nash received a 30 years to life sentence for the brutal murder and attempted sexual assault of 35-year-old C. Lee. Nash pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony.
On February 13, 2022, Lee tragically lost her life in a violent and prolonged attack in her own home. The incident began when Lee, after getting off an Uber in front of her building, was followed by Nash. Nash, homeless and staying at a nearby shelter, watched Lee from the street before silently following her into her building and up to her apartment. As Lee entered her apartment, Nash forcefully entered and began his attack. Despite Lee’s screams, which prompted neighbors to call 911 within minutes, the police were unable to gain entry to the apartment until it was unfortunately too late.
Law enforcement first noticed Nash holding a yellow object as he attempted to flee through a window. He retreated inside upon seeing a police officer positioned on the roof above, according to the prosecution. After officers finally entered through the front door of the victim’s home, they discovered him hiding under a mattress. Nearby, a kitchen knife with a yellow handle stained with blood was tucked behind a dresser. In the bathroom, officers found Lee’s body in her bathtub, having sustained at least 40 stab wounds.
The response from the NYPD has been heavily criticized, with the victim’s father expressing profound grief and frustration over the delay in police response. He questioned why the NYPD, arriving within minutes, took over 80 minutes to enter her apartment. In a poignant victim impact statement during the sentencing, he recounted his daughter’s kindness and hardworking nature, emphasizing the profound loss felt by her family and community.
Nash’s guilty plea led to a swift judicial process, culminating in his recent sentencing. The murder, occurring against a backdrop of rising anti-Asian hate crimes, has prompted broader discussions about safety, community responsibility, and the adequacy of the city’s support systems for the homeless.
Lee was known for her advocacy against hate crimes, and her death has amplified calls for better protection and resources for vulnerable communities. In honor of Lee’s memory and legacy, her family is advocating for the establishment of a shelter to commemorate her life and help prevent future tragedies. This proposed shelter aims to address homelessness and provide necessary resources to those in need. As the legal chapter of this tragedy closes with Nash’s sentencing, the broader implications continue to resonate throughout the community. The Lee family’s proposed lawsuit against the city underscores their desire for accountability and meaningful changes in police response and community support systems.
