Bronx man charged in killing of immigrant pediatrician

(New York - WABC, January 6, 2007) (WABC) -- We have new information tonight about the murder of a local doctor. This afternoon police announced they have made an arrest.

Doctor Leandro Lozada's girlfriend discovered his body in his Yonkers home last week.

Eyewitness News reporter Marcus Solis has more on the arrest from Washington Heights.

It appears the motive is financial in nature. Police say the suspect in custody is the former owner of the house that the doctor lived in. Police have not nailed down a motive but they say it is possible that the suspect was angry about having to sell the house.

The stately home in an upscale part of Yonkers where the doctor lived may be the key to why he was killed. Three days after the murder of Leandro Lozada, Yonkers police have made arrest. 59-year-old, Samuel Saunders from the Bronx has been charged with murder.

Edmund Hartnett, Yonkers police commissioner: "There was at least a connection in that the house was owned by the defendant at one point and now ultimately owned by the doctor."

The detectives poured over the doctor's financial records which, they say, led them to Saunders. Police say the doctor bought the home from the suspect just before it went into for closure.

The 46-year-old was found dead in the bedroom of the house by his girlfriend. The victim had been shot multiple times in the head.

He worked as a pediatrician in the Bronx for over 20 years. Tonight, friends, family, and former patients all turned out for the service.

"He was great man. He shouldn't die the way he did," former patient, Jennifer Moore, said. "He needed more respect than this."

Police say they removed clothing with possible bloodstains from Saunders house. Investigators say they do not believe he acted alone and additional arrests are expected.

For Dr. Lozada's wake, there will be one for Saturday night and Sunday and he'll be buried in his native, Santo Domingo.

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