Ana Isabel Charle, a 36-year-old woman who had come to New York from Spain, was dedicated to her work helping the homeless population of the Bronx. As the director of the Project Renewal homeless shelter, she was known for her tireless efforts to improve the lives of others. A mother of two young daughters, she was aware of the potential dangers of her job, having previously transferred from another facility due to safety concerns.
On the evening of April 27, 2015, as she walked to her
car after her shift, her life was cut tragically short. A former resident of the shelter, 39-year-old West Spruill, ambushed her. Spruill, who had a violent criminal history, had reportedly stalked Charle before the attack. He forced her into her car at gunpoint and sexually assaulted her.
In a desperate bid for her life, Charle managed to escape from the vehicle. She fled down Bullard Avenue, but Spruill gave chase, and both were naked in the street. He pursued her and shot her multiple times in the head and chest. Ana Charle was found on the sidewalk and was pronounced dead shortly after at Montefiore Medical Center.
West Spruill was apprehended by police minutes after the brutal attack. He was subsequently charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Following a trial that lasted over four weeks, a jury found Spruill guilty of first-degree murder in May 2017. For the senseless and chilling act that took the life of a woman devoted to helping others, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
