Crime Watch

Baldwin man pleads guilty to murder

Posted

A Baldwin man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the November 2016 bludgeoning death of a woman in Baldwin, according to Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas.

Raphael Oyague, 37, admitted his guilt Thursday before Judge Felice Muraca. He is due back in court on June 29 and is expected to be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

“A young woman’s life was tragically brought to an end when this defendant savagely attacked her with a hammer, striking her all over her body,” Singas said. “I thank our prosecutors and our partners in the police department for bringing this violent defendant to justice.”

On Nov. 23, 2016, at about 12:40 p.m., the body of Deeana Wingender, 25, of Syosset, was discovered by two delivery workers in the parking lot of 2417 Grand Ave. in Baldwin. During the crime scene investigation, Nassau County police tracked a trail of blood from where her body was found to the back door of Oyague’s apartment at the same address. The defendant was found there covered in blood.

According to police, Oyague got into a argument with the woman over payment for sex and then struck her repeatedly with a hammer, killing her. The two had met on Craig's List, and he had sent a car for her, which brought her to his apartment, officials said. Police noted that Oyague's apartment was within a hundred feet of where she was left.

"It's terrible what happened," said one bystander, who did not wish to be identified. "The family is going to be devastated, and right before Thanksgiving."

Deputy Chief Everett Witherell of the D.A.’s Major Offense Bureau is prosecuting this case. Oyague is represented by Alan Schwartz.