HOMICIDE CHARGE FILED IN THE DEATH OF A BRONX WOMAN DURING A “SPIRITUAL CLEANSING RITUAL”

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a 62 year old Bronx
woman has been charged with homicide in the death of a 32 year old woman who had gone to the defendant’s apartment for a “ritual cleansing”.

A grand jury indicted Mildred Sanchez, of 51 North Street, the Bronx, on one count of Criminally Negligent Homicide in the death of Minerva Perez on February 24, 2004. Criminally negligent homicide is a Class E felony offense punishable by a maximum sentence of up to four years imprisonment.

Perez was killed during a ritual which involved the use of a candle, highly flammable Florida Water, and an alcoholic beverage. The victim was naked and bathing in the flammable liquid when it ignited. Perez sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns over most of her body. The Medical Examiner ruled that her death was caused by a combination of the critical burns and a subsequent asthma attack that was triggered by the traumatic incident.

Sanchez surrendered today with her attorney and was arraigned late this afternoon before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Denis Boyle. She was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to next appear in State Supreme Court, Part A on September 29, 2004.

Assistant District Attorney Nadia Chanza is prosecuting the case.