Christy Bautista: Virginia woman dies of 'THIRTY sharp force injuries' after being stabbed by stranger
WASHINGTON, DC: A 31-year-old woman from Harrisonburg, Virginia, who was visiting Washington, DC, for a concert, was fatally stabbed by a stranger at a hotel in an attack that left her with "30 sharp force injuries." The incident occurred on Friday, March 31, at the Ivy City Hotel. The suspect, 43-year-old, George Sydnor Jr, is facing a first-degree murder charge.
The Metropolitan Police Department was called to investigate "trouble" at the hotel on New York Avenue, and officers found the victim unconscious and unresponsive in a hotel room. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene, but the victim had already died.
READ MORE
Minnesota man, 84, dies from RABIES six months after he was woken by bat nibbling on his wrist
'Our family is devastated'
The victim's aunt told Fox5 DC, "Our family is devastated by the loss of our beloved Christy. She brought joy to everybody who knew her and was a shining light in all of our lives. Please respect our privacy as we mourn her at this time." According to the station, Sydnor, who is homeless, had no relation to Bautista. Court documents reveal that Bautista checked into the hotel around 6 pm and Sydnor arrived on a bicycle and appeared to be listening at the door of her room.
911 caller in the area allegedly heard a female in distress and yelling for 'help'
Investigators said in the court filings, "It does not seem that Sydnor ever knocks on the door or makes his presence known to the decedent." Sydnor entered the room and a 911 caller in the area allegedly heard a female in distress and yelling for help before being pulled back inside. The CCTV footage put together in the court fillings as reported by the station stated that the victim could be heard yelling, "Help! Help!", also noting the sound of the slamming door.
One of the injuries was said to have punctured her spinal column, likely causing paralysis
One of the injuries was said to have punctured her spinal column, likely causing paralysis. Sydnor was found with blood and cuts on his hand, and a kitchen knife was recovered from the scene. At the time of the stabbing, Sydnor had two open bench warrants. One of the warrants was linked to an October 2022 incident in which a woman in southeast Washington, DC, claimed Sydnor robbed her of her car keys and cell phone at gunpoint. The other warrant was related to a larceny case in Maryland.
During an arraignment hearing, Sydnor's attorney entered a not guilty plea. Sydnor is being held without bond. The victim's autopsy report revealed that she suffered "30 sharp force injuries" during the attack. Police and the victim's family have requested privacy as they mourn the loss of Christy Bautista.