Man Fatally Strangles Flatbush Woman Inside Cell Phone Shop On Bedford Avenue

A Flatbush man was arrested on Sunday for fatally strangling a woman in the back room of a cell phone shop on Bedford Avenue the previous day.

Cops found the body of 27-year-old Deneisha Smith inside the store where she worked, Bedford Technology, at 2184 Bedford Avenue between Martense Street and Church Avenue, on Saturday, October 1 just before 1pm, say police. She was pronounced dead on the scene, showing signs of trauma on her neck.

Store surveillance footage and witness reports led police to Rolanso Lexune, 32, who was arrested and charged with 2nd degree murder. When cops walked in to arrest Lexune in his apartment, he stabbed himself in the stomach while sitting on his couch, police said.

This wasn’t the first time Lexune had attacked the victim. Smith filed a restraining order against Lexune in July, after he punched her in the face and stole $400 from her, reports The New York Daily News. Neighbors confirmed that Smith and Lexune were dating, until Smith tried to cut ties after discovering that he was married with kids, reports The Daily.

This is the second death related to domestic violence since last week in the 70th Precinct. On Monday, September 26, a man brutally stabbed his wife in their home on East 17th Street after she reportedly kicked him out.

Domestic violence has been a concern in the neighborhood, said Deputy Inspector James Palumbo in June. Felony assault, which involves the use of weapons, has increased by 40 percent; 21 cases versus 15 in 2015. Most of these assaults are attributed to domestic violence, said Palumbo.

If you someone you know has been a victim of domestic abuse please reach out to the precinct today.