Woman killed in New York’s Central Park was talented artist who lived there, friends say

Friends of a woman found dead in Central Park Over the weekend, she shared more about who she is on Monday.

Police made the arrest in the murder of the 63-year-old man on Sunday.

Victim Created Artwork Depicting Central Park Wildlife, Friends Say

Acquaintances of the victim said she was a local artist and lived in the park. Police said they would not yet release his identity until his family was notified.

Joe Lopez showed CBS News New York the detailed artwork he bought from the Central Park woman.

“This is Pale Male, the most famous hawk that ever lived here in the park,” Lopez said. “I know a lot of characters, but she was my favorite character.”

He said he met the woman in the park more than a decade ago.

“She was awesome. She was really fun to talk to. She knew wildlife. She knew animal behavior. So she didn’t just sit there and paint them. She really knew more than an artist about these animals and I found that intriguing and interesting,” Lopez said.

A man showed up Monday, visibly upset, but wouldn’t talk to anyone.

Moses Diaz also came to light a candle on the gazebo bench in the promenade, where he said she was sleeping.

“She was a great lady,” Diaz said.

He was also on hand Sunday and spoke with CBS News New York’s Lisa Rozner.

“For my birthday she gave me a squirrel made out of tin foil that she made as art. She was an artist,” Diaz said. “She was a gentle woman.”

Sadness now replaces shock for them as they said they will never see their friend again, a woman who is as much a part of the tapestry of Central Park as the birds she loved to paint.

Latest information on the investigation into the murder of a woman in Central Park

Police said they responded to a 911 call at the park before 10 a.m. Sunday and found the woman dead.

Police sources said she suffered head trauma, apparently caused by a wooden stick.

The suspect, Jonathan Robles, 36, turned himself in, police said. He is accused of murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Police sources said he was living in a Midtown shelter.

For the moment, it is not known what the motive was, but police sources indicated that there had been an argument.