A woman with a history of mental illness has been arrested for last month’s murder of her 70-year-old neighbor, who was discovered in her New York City apartment with a slit throat.
The New York Times reported that blood located in Susan Trott’s apartment trailed to suspect Anya Johnston’s apartment, which is located one floor above. Now, Johnston, 24, is charged with murder and burglary in connection with the brutal October 21 slaying.
Police described Johnston (not pictured) as being emotionally disturbed. The week of the murder, Johnston’s mother had reported her missing but she eventually returned home, according to the newspaper.
“She’s an EDP (emotionally disturbed person). That’s the motive,” a police source told the New York Post.
Another source added, “She was crazy talking about harming herself and harming other people.”
Johnston underwent a psychiatric evaluation before she was arrested and charged with Trott’s murder, according to The Times.
While several sources indicated that Johnston’s mental illness played a role in the slaying, police sources told the Post that Trott and Johnston had issues in the past. However, the nature of the contention is unclear.
WCBS learned that blood spatter located at the scene suggested a struggle occurred but there was no sign of forced entry. Detectives said that Trott was likely dead for a day before her body was discovered, according to WNBC.
The weapon used in the crime reportedly remains missing.
[Featured image: Susan Trott/New York Police Department]
