(Google Maps)
A woman has been found guilty for killing her 70-year-old neighbor over five years ago.
Anya Johnston and Susan Trott both lived at 710 West End Avenue (between 94th and 95th streets). In October 2018, Johnston, who was 24 at the time, fatally stabbed Trott in the back and neck.
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Trott’s body was discovered after a business associate called the police for a wellness check, as she hadn’t been seen or heard from in days. Police arrived to Trott’s apartment to find her unresponsive with a laceration on her throat. She was declared deceased at the scene.
Johnston was arrested about a week after the fatal stabbing. She initially pleaded not guilty.
Johnston’s defense lawyer said she “was not in her right state of mind” during the fatal attack, but this argument did not sway the jury.
“Today, a grand jury found Anya Johnston guilty of the gruesome, fatal stabbing of her elderly neighbor Susan Tross, a vibrant and talented woman who was beloved by her family and friends,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on X (formerly Twitter). “Ms. Johnston’s heinous and calculated actions reflected a blatant disregard for Ms. Trott’s life, as she left her body to decompose for nearly four days after the stabbing. I hope the accountability delivered by today’s guilty verdict can provide comfort to Ms. Trott’s loved ones, who continue to heal from the deep trauma her death has caused. I thank our prosecutors for their diligent and thorough work that led to this conviction.”
Johnston has been found guilty on one count of murder in the second degree. She is expected back in court for sentencing on May 1.
