Homeless Couple Convicted In 2010 Astoria Park Murder

Queens

A 32-year-old woman has been convicted of murder in the death of a man who was beaten and strangled in a park in Queens, according to the Associated Press.

Ruben Angel Vargas was killed in July 2010 in Astoria Park.

Prosecutors said Vargas was killed by Kelly Harnett and Thomas Donovan, who were camping in the park.

According to trial testimony, Harnett kicked the victim while Donovan choked him.

Prosecutors said Harnett then handed a shoelace to Donovan, who used it to strangle and kill Vargas.

Donovan pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and is serving a 15-year prison sentence.

Harnett was convicted Tuesday of second-degree murder after a six-week trial.

She will be sentenced Nov. 20.

Harnett's lawyer, David Epstein, said it was Donovan who strangled Vargas. He said Harnett should not have been convicted.

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A Walk In The Park - July 8, 2010 

Man Beaten To Death In Astoria Park

Queens

A man was found murdered early this morning inside Astoria Park and cops are questioning two people in connection with the crime, according to the New York Post.

Ruben Vargas, 32, was found by police unconscious inside the park at 19th Street near Ditmars Avenue, about 3:40 a.m. this morning, said police.

A 28-year-old woman and her 31-year-old male companion were found nearby and they were taken in for questioning, said police.

The NYC Medical Examiner has determined that Vargas had been strangled and struck in the head and his death has been ruled a homicide, police said.

The woman and her male acquaintance were still being questioned at the 114th Precinct this afternoon but they have not been charged with a crime, police said. Cops are still working to determine a motive for the murder.

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2 being questioned in Astoria Park murder

New York Post - July 7, 2010 -  By John Doyle 

NYPD Daily Blotter

New York Post -  July 8, 2010 -  By KIRSTEN FLEMING, JAMIE SCHRAM, LORENA MONGELLI, JESSICA SIMEONE

Homeless couple point fingers at each other for Queens park slay

New York Daily News - July 9, 2010 -  By Thomas  Zambito