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New details in brutal student rape, murder

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

(New York -WABC, February 27, 2006) (WABC) -- We're learning more about what may have been captured by a video camera outside the bar where Imette Saint Guillen was last seen. Her body was found dumped near the Belt Parkway.

Eyewitness News reporter Marcus Solis is live on the Lower East Side with the details.

Investigators know that the victim was with a female friend who left around 2:30 a.m. About half an hour later that friend checked in to make sure everything was okay with the victim and everything was. But frustratingly, detectives don't know what happened next.

It was more pounding the pavement for homicide detectives on the Bowery today. Investigators are still trying to piece together the final moments of the graduate student's life.

On Saturday the body of Imette Saint Guillen was dumped on a desolate street in East New York near the Belt Parkway. It was a chilling discovery: the 24-year-old was bound at the hands and feet, duct tape covered her face. The official cause of death was asphyxiation, but the victim had also been raped in an exceedingly violent manner.

Police have been scouring the Lower East Side for surveillance video. Investigators know the victim stayed behind at the Pioneer Bar after her friend left around 2:30 a.m. Police believe Saint Guillen then went to another bar, but don't know where or with whom.

Sophia Andrino, Neighborhood Resident: "I think there's kind of a concern because it's sort of dark spots here and there, so you still have to kind of watch out. It varies from street to street, like one street can be very hip and the next street can be, so you have to watch your back."

Shock waves are also being felt from Boston, where Imette Saint Guillen attended a prestigious high school, to Washington, where she earned her undergraduate degree.

Reyna Larios, Former Roommate: "It's tough because you never think that it will ever happen to you and your friend."

Imette Saint Guillen was a criminal justice major and was set to receive her masters at John Jay College this spring. All throughout she was an honors student who often tutored others.

Imette Saint Guillen's relatives are back in Boston after a short trip to New York. Today a statement hung from the family's home read:

"We cannot begin to imagine what life will be like without Imette. She was vibrant, talented, kind, loving, generous. She was extraordinary. We will miss her terribly."

Police have released photos of the comforter in which the victim's body was wrapped. It is believed that it may have come from a hotel or motel and of course police would be very interested in finding the location this comforter may have come from.

The comforter is described as multi-colored with two stitched fitted corners, indicating that it is from a hotel or motel. Investigators are asking anyone with any information to call them at 1-800-577-TIPS. All calls are kept confidential, and there is a reward in this case.

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