Sadly, New York’s landmark Jumeirah Essex House on Central Park South was the site of a grisly murder this Saturday, September 19, committed by one of the hotel’s own employees. The body of a woman, Andree Bejjani, 48, was discovered by a hotel maid on Saturday afternoon. The police were able to obtain a confession from housekeeping worker Derrick W. Praileau that placed him at the scene of the crime, and, with the help of surveillance cameras and hotel key cards, they were able to trace his card’s use as well as see him enter and leave the apartment (Ms. Bejjani was staying in one of the private condominiums at the Essex House complex) around the time of the murder.
The New York Times reports, “The suspect, Derrick W. Praileau, 29, of 1521 White Plains Road, in the Bronx, was taken to Manhattan Criminal Court on Sunday afternoon and later charged with second-degree murder in the death of the woman, Andree Bejjani, whose body was found on Saturday in a 10th-floor apartment at the Jumeirah Essex House, where Mr. Praileau worked.”
The hotel is trying to make current guests as comfortable as possible. "Our sincere condolences go out to the victim's family, and we have offered our full support during this difficult time," said hotel spokeswoman Jenny Glover.