A horrifying incident unfolded in a ritzy Manhattan apartment involving a cryptocurrency investor from Kentucky and an Italian tourist who was held captive and tortured for weeks. The victim, a 28-year-old man, managed to escape and seek help from the police, leading to the arrest of John Woeltz, the suspect behind the sadistic ordeal.
Woeltz, 37, was renting a luxurious apartment on Prince Street in SoHo for a staggering $30,000 to $40,000 a month, where he allegedly subjected the tourist to a series of tortures. The victim was found bound with electrical wire, Tased, pistol whipped, forced to take cocaine, and threatened with an electric chainsaw. The nightmare reportedly stemmed from a cryptocurrency dispute, with Woeltz attempting to extort millions of dollars from the victim.
Upon breaking free from captivity, the victim approached a police officer and detailed the horrors he had endured. Polaroid photos found at the scene depicted the man being tied up and tortured, adding a chilling dimension to the already gruesome case. Woeltz was taken into custody and is expected to face assault charges in connection with the incident.
The victim was rushed to Bellevue Hospital for treatment, while two individuals believed to be associated with Woeltz were also detained for questioning. The ordeal began when the tourist arrived in New York City from Italy and met with Woeltz, only to be held captive and subjected to days of torture. The Polaroids found at the scene were likely intended for use in extortion attempts against the victim or his family.
Police discovered a blood-soaked torture chamber in the apartment, complete with broken glass, night vision goggles, a bulletproof vest, and a gun. The victim had sustained injuries consistent with chainsaw wounds and had an Apple AirTag placed around his neck to track his movements. Despite the harrowing conditions, the man managed to escape on the belief that he would be killed that day.
Witnesses in the area were shocked by the unfolding events, with one describing it as the “strangest thing” he had seen in the neighborhood. Another vendor mentioned getting a “weird vibe” from the individuals in the apartment, hinting at unusual activities taking place. Woeltz remains in custody at the NYPD’s 5th Precinct, awaiting formal charges as the investigation continues.
The NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit conducted a thorough search of the premises to ensure no other victims were present, shedding light on the dark and disturbing events that transpired in the upscale Manhattan apartment.
