THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2005

STATEMENT BY QUEENS DISTRICT ATTORNEY RICHARD A. BROWN WITH RESPECT TO THE BODY FOUND TODAY AT PENNSYLVANIA LANDFILL

We are reasonably certain that the body discovered today in Vintondale, Pennsylvania is that of Monica Lozado. We hope to confirm that fact shortly.

The body is, as I understand it, intact and I would anticipate that an autopsy will be performed in Pennsylvania and that the results will be shared with us as soon as possible.

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Cesar Ascarrunz has been charged with two counts of Murder 2º (intentional and depraved indifference) in the death of Monica Lozado and Reckless Endangerment 1º, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Child Abandonment with regard to Ms. Lozado’s four-year old daughter Valery, as well as Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Mr. Ascarrunz faces up to 25 years to life in prison with regard to the murder charges, up to 7 years with regard to the endangering charges and up to 4 years for tampering with evidence. He is being held without bail pending the action of the Grand Jury.

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This is a terribly sad and tragic case -- not only in terms of the apparent violent death of Monica Lozado, but also in terms of that which occurred with respect to her four-year old daughter.

The child was dropped off and abandoned in the middle of the night without shoes on a darkened street. She could have easily wandered into the roadway and been hit by a car or suffered serious injury or even death. Fortunately she was taken in by a neighborhood resident who called the police.

The child has captured the hearts of all New Yorkers and my hope is that she will be able to survive the emotional trauma of that which has occurred and grow up to lead a normal life.

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The men and women of the New York City Police Department are to be commended for their herculean efforts in seeking to recover Ms. Lozado’s body.