A New York City man, Robert Strother, has been arrested after allegedly teaming up with his mother, Naida Jorge, to murder his 21-year-old girlfriend, Princesa Encarnacion-Soto. The young woman was reportedly tied up and tortured inside Jorge’s Bronx apartment before being left for dead.
Authorities have stated that the wounds inflicted on Encarnacion-Soto were intended for pain rather than immediate death, with investigators noting the nature of the injuries.
A Chilling Discovery
The crime took place on July 22, 2025, inside the apartment in the 2200 block of Grand Concourse. Police arrived after a 911 call reported an assault in progress, and upon entering the building, officers discovered the body of Encarnacion-Soto on a staircase, unconscious and unresponsive, with multiple stab wounds to her body.
When they found her, there were slice marks on her thighs, upper arms, and shoulders. The wounds on her legs were reportedly fresh. Investigators also noted a lack of blood on her body, suggesting that someone may have cleaned her and dressed her in fresh clothes before placing her lifeless body down the stairs.
According to Joseph Kenny, the NYPD Chief of Detectives, “The wounds… were inflicted for pain, not to kill,” indicating a violent act meant to cause suffering. Other disturbing injuries included cuts underneath her feet and a missing piece of a knuckle on one of her fingers, showing signs of torture.
The Arrests and Investigation
Strother, 27, who fled the scene after Encarnacion-Soto’s death, was taken into custody last Saturday following a weeklong manhunt. His mother, Naida Jorge, 54, was arrested at the scene and charged with murder, manslaughter, hindering prosecution, concealment of a human corpse, and tampering with physical evidence.
Police believe Jorge was complicit in the murder, helping Strother carry out the attack on Encarnacion-Soto. Authorities say Jorge not only allowed Strother to kill the victim in her apartment but also assisted in cleaning up the crime scene afterward.
Moreover, Jorge is accused of hindering efforts to capture Strother, who had a history of over 20 domestic violence arrests filed by other women.
Background on Victim and Relationship
Encarnacion-Soto, who had been living in Rhode Island before moving to New York on July 11, 2025, was staying with Jorge and Strother in the days leading up to the attack. Tragically, the young woman’s life was cut short, and her mother expressed the devastation of the loss.
“My heart is broken,” said Encarnacion-Soto’s mother in an interview with WNBC, her voice filled with sorrow. “My little baby, my little everything is gone.”
A Pattern of Violence
Strother’s criminal history includes multiple charges for domestic violence, contributing to the violent nature of his actions against Encarnacion-Soto. This history raises further concerns about the ongoing risks for women involved with him and highlights the dangerous and often overlooked patterns of abuse.
Legal Proceedings
Strother and Jorge are both facing serious charges in connection to the brutal murder. Jorge is currently held in custody, and Strother’s legal proceedings will continue as investigators gather more evidence related to the crime.
Authorities are working to piece together the full extent of what happened in the moments leading up to Encarnacion-Soto’s tragic death.
Community Reactions
Locals and neighbors have expressed shock and disbelief at the brutal nature of the crime. Many have voiced their concern over the seemingly unprovoked violence and the involvement of both mother and son in the crime.
The gruesome details have left the Bronx community reeling, as authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the case.
The horrific death of Princesa Encarnacion-Soto serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating effects it can have on individuals and families.
The arrests of Robert Strother and Naida Jorge bring some justice, but the loss of a young life and the ongoing grief of her family cannot be undone. As the case progresses, the focus will remain on holding the perpetrators accountable and ensuring that justice is served for Encarnacion-Soto.
