Homeless Advocate Gunned Down Naked in the Streets of the Bronx by Homeless Man

The brutal murder of an advocate for the homeless by one of those she tried to help has shocked the Bronx.

The New York Times reports that 36-year-old Ana Charle was murdered in cold blood by 39-year-old West Spruill after chasing her through the streets of New York naked. Spruill was homeless and knew Charle through her role as the head of a homeless shelter called Bronx Boulevard.

The attack and murder took place the night of April 27 just outside the shelter. Spruill had planned the attack far in advance. When he was arrested after the murder police found zip ties, and the license plate number of Charle's car.

Spruill assaulted Charle as she left the shelter and forced her into her car at gun point. He made Charle undress and attempted to rape her. Charle was able to escape, but Spruill, also naked, chased her before finally firing three rounds into Charle. Charle was hit in the temple, cheek and chest.

Charle had been the head of Bronx Boulevard since 2013. She had worked for the homeless in an official capacity for at least four years before that time.

Spruill has been charged with second degree murder and a weapons offense. He previously spent 8 years in prison in Michigan for assault with a deadly weapon. In addition to that prison time, he served various amounts of time for a litany of offenses including robbery and assault.

In his first court appearance, Spruill was denied bail and behaved in a disruptive manner. He spoke loudly and out of turn, and also demanded that he be able to represent himself in the case. The judge determined that issue would be settled at a later court hearing.