August 4, 2000

EDGEMERE HOUSES RESIDENT ARRESTED IN MURDER OF 81 YEAR OLD NEIGHBOR

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown announced today the arrest of a 31 year old Far Rockaway man on charges of murdering his elderly neighbor in the Edgemere Houses last Tuesday night.

District Attorney Brown said, "This was a vicious and unprovoked murder of an 81 year old lady who lived on the same floor as the defendant. It is alleged that the defendant thought that she had money in her possession and made the decision to rob and kill her. This wanton act perpetrated against a well liked senior citizen will be vigorously prosecuted."

District Attorney Brown identified the defendant as Eric Burton, 31, of 54-30 Beach Channel Drive. He is charged with five counts of murder in the first and second degrees, two counts of robbery and burglary and tampering with physical evidence.

According to District Attorney Brown the victim, 81 year old Maggie Stewart, who was known affectionately in her building as Miss Maggie, was followed into the building at about 8pm on Tuesday, August 2 by the defendant. The defendant got into the elevator with her and rode to the fourth floor where they both lived. Once out of the elevator, it is alleged, the defendant stabbed the victim repeatedly with a knife. Mortally wounded she fell to the floor and the defendant took her keys from her person and searched her pockets. He allegedly then entered her apartment and removed property.

The defendant was arrested yesterday at the 101st Precinct. He will be arraigned later today in Queens Criminal Court at Kew Gardens.

Assistant District Attorney Erica Rosengarten of District Attorney Brown's Homicide Investigations Bureau which is under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Peter T. Reese and the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney Gregory L. Lasak, is in charge of the case.

It should be noted that an indictment is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.