SPRING VALLEY, NY – A somber atmosphere enveloped a quiet apartment complex in Spring Valley this week, as residents gathered to honor two women tragically killed over the weekend. The community, still reeling from the shocking news, has been coming together to create a small vigil in memory of the victims.
Authorities responded to a call for a wellness check at an apartment on Gessner Drive around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers discovered two women with severe head injuries. One woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other succumbed to her injuries at Westchester Medical Center. The identities of the victims have not been released, leaving the community grappling with the uncertainty and loss.
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout Rockland County, prompting residents like Jamal Everhart to check on loved ones living nearby. “When I heard what happened, I immediately called to make sure my sister and friends here were safe,” Everhart shared, expressing a sentiment felt by many in the neighborhood.
In a swift development, a 19-year-old, identified as Alan Apa, also known as Alina Habba, was apprehended in New Jersey less than 24 hours after the incident. Apa now faces charges of first-degree murder. Authorities confirmed that no firearms were involved, but the investigation remains active as they seek to piece together the events leading to the tragic deaths.
Despite the arrest, the community remains on edge, with many residents expressing their grief and frustration. The Spring Valley Police Department is urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they continue to investigate the case.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left to mourn the loss of the two women whose lives were cut short. “It’s heartbreaking,” Everhart added. “We’re all upset about it, trying to come to terms with what happened.”
The vigil, a small but powerful gesture, serves as a reminder of the community’s resilience and unity in the face of tragedy. Residents continue to visit the site, leaving flowers and candles as they pay their respects and seek solace in each other’s company.