Rye Brook resident pleads not guilty in killing of 37-year-old woman
According to the felony complaint, Hugo Soto-Dias allegedly strangled 37-year-old Samantha Maldacker to the point that she lost consciousness.
A Rye Brook resident pleaded not guilty in connection with the killing of a 37-year-old woman.
Hugo Soto-Diaz said only one word as he pleaded not guilty to both second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter with intent to cause physical injury.
According to the felony complaint, he allegedly strangled 37-year-old Samantha Maldacker to the point that she lost consciousness. The incident happened on March 30, according to officials.
The relationship between Soto-Diaz and Maldacker is unknown at this time.
"In the ensuing days, it was determined that the victim from this case had suffered from a hypoxic brain injury, meaning that her brain had been deprived of oxygen for a period of time, resulting in catastrophic and irreversible brain damage," said Elizabeth Shumejda, the assistant District Attorney.
Maldacker passed away on April 4.
Shumejda unearthed new details on Wednesday, including that police have found Soto-Diaz has extensive relationships with people living in Guatemala.
She also noted there was an instance in a prior minor offense of Soto-Diaz attempting to flee police.
"The fact that the defendant is facing a sentence, maximum possible sentence of 25 years to life in prison, given the one prior instance of flight by this defendant, and given his extensive and significant ties to family members and friends outside of this country, the people are requesting that he be remanded today," said Shumejda.
Soto-Diaz is being held without bail.
His 18-year-old brother and 19-year-old sister, who were both witnesses to the incident, according to Shumejda, were both granted orders of protection effective until next April.
Soto-Diaz is due back in court in August.
