*** PRESS RELEASE *** Yonkers Police Cold Case Detectives solve nine-year old Bronx murder.
Yonkers, NY – On Tuesday, September 4th, 2012, at approximately 5:35 PM, members of the Yonkers Police Department responded to the wooded area between Rossmore Avenue and Midland Avenue, adjacent to the Sprain Brook River Parkway, on a report of a suspicious package. Responding officers discovered a decomposing human body wrapped in a garbage bag. Officers cordoned off the area and initiated a criminal investigation.
Detectives from the Major Case Squad and Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene. Investigation yielded that the victim, an adult female, had died from a gunshot wound to the head; she was identified as Pamela Graddick, a 26-year-old resident of the Bronx. Investigators believe that Graddick was killed outside the City of Yonkers and her body was dumped in an effort to conceal the crime. Due to the nature of the incident and absence of local leads, the investigation was transferred to the Cold Case Unit in 2014 for enhancement. Over the next seven years, Cold Case Detectives continuously worked the case, developing and enhancing information, recovering evidence, and maintaining relationships with the victim’s family. A person of interest was identified early on in the investigation; however, it took years of additional case work to develop probable cause, culminating in a confession by the main suspect. On Sunday, January 23rd, 2022, nine years and four months after Graddick was discovered, Detectives charged her then partner with murder.
Wanda VEGUILLA, a 40-year-old resident of the Bronx, was charged with one count of Murder 2, a Class A-I Violent Felony in the New York State Penal Law. Investigators allege, based on evidence and statements made by VEGUILLA, that she shot and killed Graddick in their Bronx apartment as a result of on-going domestic issues between them; at the time, they were in a relationship and living together. Furthermore, Detectives believe that VEGUILLA was assisted by an accomplice who furnished the murder weapon and helped transport the body: John TORRES, a 30-year-old resident of Yonkers, was charged on January 25th with felony Criminal Facilitation, Hindering Prosecution, and Tampering with Evidence in connection with Graddick’s murder.
Commissioner John J. Mueller stated, “The passage of time only reinforces our commitment to solving these heinous crimes. The Yonkers Police prides itself on focusing on victims and their families and doing whatever we can to deliver justice for them. I hope that these arrests bring some degree of closure to Pamela’s family and friends; and I applaud the extraordinary efforts of our Cold Case Detectives in closing out this case after so many years – well done!”
Both VEGUILLA and TORRES were arraigned in Yonkers Criminal Court and remanded to the Westchester County Jail pending their next court appearance. The case is being prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Additional information may be released as it becomes available.
The City of Yonkers and Yonkers Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Pamela Graddick. Furthermore, the City and Department expresses its sincere thanks to the Graddick family for their steadfast support of this investigation throughout the years, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for their professional collaboration.
NOTE: Booking charges are merely accusations and the defendant(s) are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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