Man Found Dead in Bathtub at NYC Luxury Tower, Suspect Arrested

What Happened Inside the Long Island City Apartment?

The case began on the morning of Saturday, August 1, 2026, when a 911 call was placed from Carlos Penzo's phone. Police were unable to identify the correct apartment at the time because they did not have the apartment number. Hours later, a separate report from building security ultimately led officers to the crime scene.

Naked Man Found on the Building's Rooftop

According to information published by U.S. media outlets citing law enforcement sources, security staff at The Hayden luxury residential building on Hunter Street spotted a naked man walking around on the rooftop while spraying security cameras with a fire extinguisher. After he made his way to another floor, security contacted the NYPD, and officers responded and took him into custody.

Victim Found Dead in the Bathtub

After detaining the suspect, police entered Carlos Penzo's apartment for a welfare check and found him dead in the bathtub with multiple stab wounds to the head, face, and chest. Reports also stated that multiple bladed weapons were found inside the apartment, although investigators have not determined who owned those weapons or how they were used.

Suspect Formally Charged

Authorities arrested Bretford Brewer, 36, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. After he underwent a psychiatric evaluation at a hospital, prosecutors charged him on Wednesday, August 5, with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. As of August 6, his arraignment was still pending.

What Have Investigators Learned So Far?

According to police sources cited by several U.S. news outlets, the suspect had been visiting the victim before the killing. Some reports also stated that the two men met on social media and that a dispute escalated into the fatal attack. However, police have not officially confirmed that account or identified an official motive.

Key Questions Still Under Investigation

Several aspects of the case remain unresolved, including how many people were inside the apartment before the body was discovered. Some reports suggested there may have been two additional individuals, while others indicated there may have been as many as four people in the apartment earlier. Authorities have also not confirmed whether Brewer acted alone, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The Luxury Building Where the Crime Occurred

The incident took place at The Hayden, a 51-story luxury residential tower in Long Island City, Queens. Media reports say some two-bedroom apartments in the building rent for more than $6,000 per month, making the violent crime especially shocking for residents of the upscale building.

Written by shindy
Researcher and U.S. news enthusiast since 2011.