Man Accused of Killing Central Park Artist Claims Self-Defense
Suspect allegedly stated he struck the victim more than 20 times with a stick after she initially attacked him.
Jonathan Robles, 36, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of artist Lee Rogers, 63, in Central Park. Manhattan prosecutors revealed during Robles' arraignment that he admitted to striking Rogers more than 20 times with a stick.
According to the criminal complaint, Robles told police he acted in self-defense, stating that Rogers had hit him first with a stick. He then allegedly took the stick and beat her until she was no longer able to retaliate. Rogers died from blunt force trauma to her head, and a broken, blood-covered stick was found near her body.
Robles surrendered to authorities after Rogers' body was discovered on September 27 in a gazebo near the park's boathouse. Rogers, who was homeless, was known as a talented artist specializing in watercolors of birds. She was also the subject of the 2007 documentary "Begging Naked," which chronicled her life, including struggles with homelessness, prostitution, and drug addiction.
Friends remembered Rogers as a gifted painter who had fallen on hard times. Robert DeCandido, a nature walk guide known as "Birding Bob," compared her to folk artist Grandma Moses and noted her efforts to help Central Park birders by refilling feeders. Another friend, Joe Lopez, recalled Rogers' deep knowledge of wildlife and animal behavior, which extended beyond her artistic endeavors.
Robles appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court virtually from a hospital, where he is scheduled for a psychiatric evaluation to determine his fitness to stand trial. His attorney, Mitchell Schuman, indicated that Robles has significant mental health issues that will be addressed in the court proceedings.
Robles is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on October 13. The charge of murder in the second degree carries a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.