NEW YORK, NY – A prior victim of a suspect accused of a violent crime spree has come forward with a harrowing encounter, shedding light on the alleged attacker’s history of violence. The suspect, Raad Almansoori, is facing charges in connection with a killing in Manhattan, stabbings in Arizona, and ties to violent incidents in Florida and Texas.
Leah Palian, the prior victim, shared her terrifying experience of being attacked by Almansoori in Florida. According to Palian, the suspect threatened to kill her, and the experience seemed to turn him on. Despite her escape and calls to the police, Almansoori was released on bail, leaving Palian feeling that the state and prosecutors failed to protect her.
The suspect is currently being held in Arizona after allegedly carrying out two stabbings in the Phoenix area. However, Arizona prosecutor Rachel Mitchell has refused to extradite him back to New York, citing concerns over New York’s bail policies for violent criminals.
In response to the refusal to extradite Almansoori, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg criticized Mitchell for playing “political games.” The DA’s office accused Mitchell of denying justice for the victim in the New York case and highlighted that homicides in New York have decreased since Bragg took office.
The brutal killing of Denisse Oleas-Arancibia at the SoHo 54 Hotel in Manhattan has also been linked to Almansoori. Oleas-Arancibia, 38, was found with a bloody clothing iron near her head, indicating the violence she endured. Before her body was discovered, multiple wellness checks were made at the hotel, but no foul play was initially suspected.
As the investigation continues, officials are looking into Almansoori’s potential connections to crimes in Florida and Texas. Investigators have been tracking his movements through stolen credit cards and MetroCards, shedding light on his alleged involvement in multiple incidents.
The case raises concerns about the handling of violent criminals across different states, as well as the challenges of extraditing suspects. The refusal to extradite Almansoori has prompted criticism and fueled a debate over bail policies for violent offenders.
Overall, the case highlights the complex legal and law enforcement challenges involved in pursuing justice across state lines. As the investigation unfolds, authorities continue to piece together the suspect’s alleged pattern of violence and the impact on his victims.