New York City, NY — Authorities in East Harlem are working to uncover what led to the tragic death of a young homeless woman whose naked body was discovered stuffed inside a duffel bag under the Metro-North railroad tracks near 125th Street and Park Avenue on Monday evening.
The woman, who locals affectionately called “Sweetie”, had been seen in the area for months. She battled addiction and often slept in Marcus Garvey Park or beneath the elevated train tracks where her body was found around 7 p.m.
Police reported that the deceased was discovered inside a garbage bag, which was then zipped into a duffel bag and abandoned near the tracks. Investigators are now awaiting the Medical Examiner’s findings to determine her official cause of death.
Counselor Says Victim was Vulnerable, Addicted, and Alone
Madelyn Sosa, a 50-year-old recovery counselor working with the Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, told reporters she recognized the woman immediately. Sosa had interacted with her regularly while serving the local homeless and addiction community.
“I called her ‘Sweetie’,” Sosa shared. “I saw her Monday morning and she was doing alright. But later in the day, I heard she was heavily sedated.”
According to Sosa, the victim struggled with multiple substances:
“She’d smoke K2, heroin, crack, or take pills — whatever was available. It was the lifestyle of the streets.”
Sosa said the woman was polite, soft-spoken, and never aggressive. Despite being offered clothing, food, blankets, and the opportunity to enter a treatment program, she remained entrenched in addiction.
“She always told me ‘One day, one day’,” Sosa said emotionally to The Post. “But now she doesn’t have that day.”
The Crime Scene: A Troubled Spot Known for Drug Use
Residents say the area where Sweetie was found has long been a hotspot for substance abuse and homelessness. A worker was clearing trash from the location when he noticed the suspicious duffel bag and alerted nearby merchants and residents.
Police quickly arrived and secured the scene — an area many locals say they’ve reported concerns about before due to frequent vagrancy and drug activity.
A Harsh Reality of Life on the Streets
Sosa, who is eight years sober, understands the dangers of untreated addiction all too well. She expressed heartbreak but not surprise.
“In the world of addiction, if you don’t get help… death is expected,” she said somberly.
“It’s like dancing with the devil — eventually, he comes knocking on your door.”
While police continue their investigation, community advocates hope this tragedy will bring attention to the urgent need for resources, protection, and intervention for the homeless and addicted population in Harlem.
What Happens Next?
The NYPD is reviewing security footage and speaking with individuals who frequented the area. So far, no arrests have been made and the woman’s true identity has not yet been confirmed.
Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities.
How can New York City better protect vulnerable homeless women and those battling addiction?
Share your thoughts in the comments — your voice matters.
