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Central Park Artist Found Murdered, Hair Shaved
29 Sep
Summary
- Artist found beaten and stabbed in a park gazebo.
- Victim's signature braids and hair were shaved off.
- Suspect surrendered to police shortly after the attack.
Francis Lee Rogers, a homeless artist who spent decades painting birds in Central Park, was found dead on Sunday. The 63-year-old was discovered in a park gazebo, having been beaten and stabbed, with her distinctive long braids and hair brutally shaved off. Her body was found barefoot and covered in dirt.
Shortly after the attack, Jonathan Robles, 36, turned himself in to police. He has since been charged with murder and weapon possession. Mr. Robles reportedly told investigators that he killed Ms. Rogers. His past arrests in New York City were for nonviolent offenses.
Ms. Rogers, also known as Lee, was a well-known and respected figure in Central Park. She sustained herself by selling her artwork, with some pieces fetching over $1,200. She maintained bird feeders in the Ramble, spending hundreds of dollars annually on seed.
Her death is a rare occurrence in Central Park, which has seen no murders in the current year or the previous year through September 20. Ms. Rogers had been living in and around the park for approximately three decades, selling hundreds of her paintings to birders and others who admired her work.
