WASHINGTON — "Especially heinous, atrocious or cruel," is how officials described the killing of 31-year-old Christy Bautista. The Virginia woman was visiting D.C. in March for a concert when she was violently stabbed to death inside her Ivy City hotel room.
Police later arrested 44-year-old George L. Sydnor, Jr. for Bautista's death. Officials have previously said there's no indication Bautista knew Sydnor, who has a long history of arrests and was experiencing homelessness at the time of the attack. The Department of Justice says Sydnor was on release for another criminal case when he reportedly killed Bautista.
A five-count indictment was announced Wednesday with Sydnor being charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed; burglary while armed; first-degree felony murder while armed (burglary); kidnapping while armed; and first-degree felony murder while armed (kidnapping).
The indictment also includes aggravating circumstance enhancements to all five counts, as prosecutors say the crimes committed were “especially heinous, atrocious or cruel.”
A spokesperson for the family released this statement following the indictment:
"Finally, Christy's case has reached this important step in the process. We are grateful to the grand jury for their service and are prepared for the long road ahead as we seek justice for Christy."
In June, a judge ordered Sydnor to be held based on the nature of the crime and his nine prior convictions. He will appear in court on January 4, 2024.
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