After Woman Strangled To Death In Westchester Home Grand Jury Hands Down Murder, Manslaughter Indictment: DA

RYE BROOK, NY — A brutal assault has now led to attempted murder charges against a Westchester man.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that 30-year-old Hugo Soto-Diaz, of Rye Brook, was arraigned on Wednesday on one felony count of second-degree murder, and one felony count of first-degree manslaughter.

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After Soto-Diaz pleaded not guilty on all charges, the judge remanded him to the Westchester County Jail pending further proceedings. He is due back in court on June 3.

SEE ALSO: Woman Found Unconscious, Not Breathing After Assault; Rye Brook Man Arrested For Attempted Murder: Police

According to prosecutors, 37-year-old Samantha Maldacker, was found unconscious at Soto-Diaz's Westview Avenue home on March 30, the victim of apparent strangulation.

Soto-Diaz was arrested by the Rye Brook Police Department and charged with second-degree attempted murder.

When Maldacker died from her injuries at an area hospital days later, a grand jury indicted Soto-Diaz on the higher charges.

"I am thankful for the diligent police work of the Rye Brook Police Department on this senseless and tragic act of violence," DA Cacace said. "Our office will honor the memory of Samantha Maldacker by holding Hugo Soto-Diaz fully accountable for his heinous actions."

This case was investigated by the Rye Brook Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Major Case Bureau Deputy Chief Elizabeth Shumejda and Assistant DA Victoria Clarkson.