Former Convicted Murderer Found Dead in Brooklyn Apartment
Howard Goldstein, a man who gained notoriety 20 years ago for brutally murdering his roommate, was discovered dead in his Brooklyn apartment earlier this week in what authorities are ruling as a suicide. The 67-year-old was found unresponsive with a zip tie around his neck during a wellness check conducted by Chaveirim on Jan 27.
Goldstein’s employer raised concerns leading to the wellness check conducted by the Orthodox Jewish volunteer organization, Chaveirim. Upon finding him unresponsive, Hatzalah, a Jewish emergency responder, was called to the scene before notifying the NYPD. Unfortunately, Goldstein was pronounced dead at the scene, with the Medical Examiner’s Office determining suicide as the cause of death.
The residence where Goldstein was found is just blocks away from the location where he was arrested in 2004 for the murder of his roommate over a rent dispute. Described as a crossdressing, porn-obsessed individual, Goldstein shocked authorities when he answered the door wearing high heels, makeup, and lipstick, while his roommate’s body lay in the apartment.
During the investigation, Goldstein’s room was found filled with a mix of pornographic images and religious portraits, including those of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson. Additionally, religious books, horror movies, and Vietnam War-era memorabilia were discovered in his possession.
Despite his outward appearance as a traditional Orthodox Jewish man, neighbors revealed that Goldstein had a penchant for eccentric behavior, occasionally sporting painted eyebrows in public.
Goldstein was convicted of manslaughter in the first degree in 2006 and served a prison sentence until 2021. After his release on parole, he lived under supervision until last year when his parole period ended.
