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Mount Vernon Suspect To Be Arraigned In Death Of Emma Gruber

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. – A Mount Vernon man will be arraigned Wednesday on a murder charge in the slaying of his elderly neighbor in February.

85-year-old Mount Vernon resident Emma Gruber was found dead in her home five months ago.

85-year-old Mount Vernon resident Emma Gruber was found dead in her home five months ago.

Photo Credit: File

Lloyd Lewis has been charged in the death of 85-year-old Emma Gruber, who was found dead in her South Sixth Avenue home in February.

Lewis, 32, was indicted on a first-degree murder charge five months after the elderly woman was found dead in her basement after interrupting a burglar stealing copper pipes.

Lewis had been held on unrelated burglary charges for several months while the investigation continued. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office confirmed he will be arraigned Wednesday on charges stemming from Gruber’s death and the burglary.

Gruber, known as much for her jovial nature as she was for handing out candy to local children, was found dead in her basement on Feb. 12. The search for a suspect began immediately and included a $2,500 reward from the New York State Crime Stoppers for any information that led to an arrest or conviction.

The elderly Mount Vernon native was a regular at the Doles Community Center, and served as an usher at the Greater Centennial AME Zion Church.

Gruber’s death galvanized the community, which came together to mourn her with a march from her church to the block she called home for so many years. On Tuesday, July 29, neighbors expressed gratitude that a suspect has been brought to justice.

“It was so sad when it happened, and it’s still so sad. It was senseless. If she had just walked in at a different time things could be different,” South Sixth Street resident Regina Campo said. “It was a good job by our Police Department and now maybe there will be some closure for everyone.”

 

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