Renee Mancino, a 66-year-old female, was found dead on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, in the basement of her celebrated Carrot Top Pastries shop in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Her husband, Robert Mancino, discovered her in the basement office of the Broadway location, near 165th Street, at approximately 9:45 a.m. Police and fire officials responded to reports of a gunshot and pronounced her dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the head.
The incident was investigated as an apparent suicide, and it was not immediately clear if she had left a note.
The news of Mancino's death sent shockwaves through the community where she was a beloved figure, affectionately known as the 'Carrot Cake Queen of NYC'. For over three decades, she was not only a successful business owner with another location in Inwood but also a dedicated community supporter who engaged with residents and backed local arts projects. Many who knew her remembered her as a happy and energetic person, and her sudden death was met with disbelief and sorrow. Friends and family described her as having a 'heart of gold,' recalling her generosity, such as donating unsold pastries to homeless centers.
In the wake of her passing, it was revealed that Mancino had faced some business-related stress, including issues with leasing a building she owned next door. Some loved ones also mentioned that she had recently complained about the emotional impact of a new medication. Despite any personal struggles, she was remembered for her resilience, having overcome earlier life challenges to build her successful bakery. Originally from Cleveland with plans to study forensic medicine, she turned to baking to support her young daughter after her first husband passed away.
There were no arrests or suspects in connection with her death, as authorities investigated it as a suicide. The community mourned her deeply, with hundreds gathering outside her shop upon hearing the news and attending her memorial service. In a lasting tribute to her contributions to the neighborhood, a street in Inwood at 214th Street and Broadway was later renamed 'Renee Mancino Way' in her honor.
