Brooklyn police investigate homicide of Mexican migrant Erika Miranda Tlacua

The New York Police Department is investigating the homicide of Erika Miranda Tlacua, a 40-year-old Mexican migrant from San Juan Tejaluca, Atlixco. Her body was discovered on August 1, 2026, inside an apartment in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn.

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) determined the cause of death was homicide resulting from blunt force trauma to the head and torso. Neighbors reported hearing music followed by sounds of repeated striking and a scream during the early morning hours prior to the discovery.

While authorities have interrogated a romantic partner, no official arrests or formal charges have been made as forensic evidence at the scene did not match initial leads. The Instituto Poblano de Asistencia al Migrante (IPAM) is coordinating with consular authorities to assist the family with the repatriation process.

Her remains are scheduled to be repatriated to Puebla, Mexico, in late August. The victim's family has issued a warning to the public to avoid fraudulent donation requests, noting that repatriation costs have already been covered by the state government and family members.