By KIMBERLY ACEVEDO
The victim, whose name is being with held, left her part-time cashier job at Waldbaums around 10:15 p.m., said roommate, Carmen Saravia. The victim then walked to a nearby ATM before heading home. It is unknown if the attacker had followed the victim from work or the ATM. The attack was so brutal that another roommate heard the victim's screams, even though she was in the kitchen in the back of their second-floor apartment.
I was in the kitchen that night, said the victim's roommate, Lissette Soriano. I heard a scream but I didn't realize it was her until I heard a second scream.
As the victim approached the door to her home, a male, dressed in a dark hooded sweatshirt, stabbed her, Soriano said. She said her roommate probably didn't see the attacker until too late because, as she said, my home is so dark outside. The owner of the house heard the commotion and opened the window and screamed, Soriano said. After hearing the owner's scream, Soriano ran from the kitchen to the front door.
I opened the door and she was lying on the floor, said Soriano. The attacker was scared off by the owner of the house but not before stealing the victim's bag, which contained almost $100.
Assistant Police Commissioner John Laffey said that detectives had checked out several leads, which had not panned out. But the department is conducting an aggressive investigation to catch the suspect.
First Assistant Chief of the Long Beach Fire Department Scott Kemins responded to the scene to aid the victim after the 11 p.m. attack. The victim was taken to South Nassau Communities Hospital and was admitted in critical but stable condition with stab wounds in the chest, back and legs. Soriano said her roommate tried to fight back and also sustained cuts on her arms and hands.
The victim was released on Tuesday, Dec. 4 but has not returned home for safety reasons, according to housemates. She is staying with relatives for the time being.
Born in El Salvador, the victim moved to the United States 12-years ago, according to roommates, whom she met through work. She was described as a dedicated, good, hard worker by her boss Jim Drain, Waldbaums manager.
Several residents in the neighborhood around Lafayette Boulevard were unaware of the attack, but expressed serious concerns upon learning of it.
As for the victim, Soriano said, She is so shocked. She can't sleep at night. She will seek help.
Soriano said she will be more careful but feels that It's not the same anymore. It's different, especially at night. There's paranoia. You should feel safe in your own neighborhood. We are trying to be more safe.
