BRONX MAN FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER IN THE STRANGULATION
DEATH OF HIS WIFE

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today the murder conviction of a 44-year-old house painter in the strangulation death of his wife in the Summer of 2005. Joshua Nowrang was found guilty on one count of Murder in the 2nd degree.

The jury deliberated for a little more than an hour before determining that Nowrang had “intentionally caused the death” of Rawayti “Anita” Haimraj, a 35-year-old mother of two children. State Supreme Court Justice Michael Gross set sentencing for January 9, 2008 in Part T 11. Nowrang is facing a maximum sentence of up to 25 years to life imprisonment.

Jurors heard testimony that the murder was the culmination of a long history of incidents of domestic violence at the couple’s residence on Story Avenue in the Soundview section of the Bronx. Haimraj was strangled during a heated argument over money after she had decided to end her marriage. At issue was the proceeds from the anticipated sale of the couples home since the victim’s sister was listed as the owner of the house. After murdering his wife, Nowrang cut up her body and dumped the body parts in Westchester Creek adjacent to Ferry Point Park. Some of the remains later washed up in nearby Castle Hill Park during low tide and were discovered by relatives of the dead woman. Family members had become concerned because the victim had not arrived at her job and could not be reached. When they voiced their concerns to the defendant and asked about his whereabouts while his wife was unaccounted for, the defendant said he had been fishing near Ferry Point Park. Nowrang’’s comments and demeanor aroused the family members’ suspicions. Given the couple’s troubled history, they went to the area to look for her and instead stumbled upon her remains.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Trial Counsel, Assistant District Attorney Daniel McCarthy, Director of Trial Training and Assistant District Attorney Karen Saab-Dominguez.