Suspect in custody after Mount Vernon woman fatally beaten with hammer
Police say that around 4 p.m. on March 21, officers responded to a welfare check at 324 East 4th St.
New details have emerged on the death of a Mount Vernon woman, who was struck multiple times in the head with a hammer, according to the felony complaint.
Lisa Grier, 33, was found unresponsive in her apartment at 324 E. 4th St. on Saturday after police conducted a wellness check and was pronounced dead.
A 28-year-old suspect, Jovair Bryce, who shares the same address, is in custody. Police say he was arrested in New York City on a separate crime, and Mount Vernon police are waiting to have him arraigned in Mount Vernon criminal court before holding a conference with more information.
Wednesday coverage
Those who were close to Grier say they are devastated. They described her as a kind and beautiful person with a gentle soul who was a bright light to many.
"I just can’t help but to express how much of a beautiful person she was. Lisa is definitely a light that we’ll all miss," says Jaema Younge, who was friends with Grier.
News 12 was told that Grier was a part of the Grace Place church in NYC.
"The word I would use to describe our congregation right now is heartbroken," says Stephen Perumalla, lead pastor at the church.
Police say the suspect is in custody in another jurisdiction, pending arraignment on charges of murder in the second degree. That suspect's name was not immediately released.
Officials say there is no threat to the public.
