By Clara Wilson
New York City police have released the name of the woman found dead in a gruesome discovery this weekend. The NYPD identifies Michelle Montgomery as the victim whose dismembered remains were located in a Brooklyn apartment building on Sunday. Authorities confirmed her identity on Monday, February 2, 2026. The 39-year-old mother of four lived on Hoyt Street in Brooklyn. Her tragic death has sparked a massive homicide investigation in the Williamsburg neighborhood as detectives hunt for the killer.
Grisly Discovery in Williamsburg
The horror unfolded on Sunday morning, February 1. The location was a residential building at 330 Bushwick Avenue. This structure is part of a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) complex in Williamsburg.
A housing authority janitor began his shift as usual. Around 9:30 a.m., he entered the basement compactor room to process the building’s refuse. While working, he noticed a suspicious, heavy black garbage bag.
The worker opened the bag to inspect its contents. He immediately recoiled in shock. Witnesses in the building reported hearing workers scream in terror.
Inside the bag, the janitor discovered human remains. Specifically, reports indicate he saw the victim’s head. He immediately fled the room and called 911.
Police officers from the 90th Precinct rushed to the scene. They secured the basement and established a crime scene. The nature of the discovery required the immediate response of the NYPD Crime Scene Unit.
Investigators spent Sunday and Monday combing through the basement. They searched for additional evidence within the compactor room. The brutality of the crime has rattled the seasoned officers working the case.
Victim Was a Mother of Four
On Monday, the NYPD identifies Michelle Montgomery as the deceased. Police notified her family before releasing her name to the public.
Montgomery was 39 years old. She resided on Hoyt Street, located in the Boerum Hill section of Brooklyn. This address is several miles away from where her body was found in Williamsburg.
Information regarding why she was at the Bushwick Avenue location remains scarce. Detectives are working to establish a timeline of her final movements. They need to know when she left her home and how she arrived at the NYCHA complex.
Montgomery was a mother to four children. The loss of a parent in such a violent manner is devastating for the family. Victim services are likely assisting the grieving relatives.
Friends and neighbors are struggling to process the news. The identification converts a nameless tragedy into a personal loss for the Boerum Hill community.
Investigation Status and Forensics
As of Tuesday morning, no arrests have been made. The NYPD has not released a description of a suspect. The investigation is active and ongoing.
Detectives are canvassing the building at 330 Bushwick Avenue. They are knocking on doors and interviewing residents. They want to know if anyone heard screams or saw suspicious activity over the weekend.
Surveillance video will play a critical role. NYCHA buildings often have cameras in lobbies and elevators. Investigators are reviewing hours of footage. They are looking for anyone carrying heavy bags or luggage into the basement area.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has taken custody of the remains. While police have identified the victim, the official cause of death is pending. Pathologists must determine exactly how Montgomery died before she was dismembered.
The autopsy results will provide vital clues. They can determine the weapon used and the approximate time of death. This forensic evidence helps prosecutors build a case once police catch a suspect.
Safety Concerns in NYCHA Buildings
The location of the crime has renewed concerns about safety in public housing. Residents at the Bushwick Avenue complex expressed fear on Monday. The idea that a killer might have entered their building is terrifying.
Access to utility areas like compactor rooms is usually restricted. Typically, only staff members possess keys to these specific doors. However, locks can be broken or doors left propped open.
Investigators are checking the logs of who accessed the basement. They are also examining the door locks for signs of forced entry.
NYCHA officials are cooperating with the NYPD. They have provided access to the building’s security systems. The Housing Authority has faced scrutiny in the past regarding security camera maintenance. Ensuring all cameras were operational this weekend is a priority for the investigation.
Community Reaction to the Tragedy
The brutality of the crime stands out even in a large city. Dismemberment cases are rare and indicate a high level of violence and planning. The killer took specific steps to conceal the identity of the victim and hide the body.
Local community leaders are calling for justice. They want a swift resolution to the case to restore a sense of safety. Residents are urged to remain vigilant.
The identification of the victim is the first step toward justice. Now that the NYPD identifies Michelle Montgomery, the focus shifts to finding her killer.
Police are asking anyone who knew Montgomery to come forward. Information about her recent relationships or conflicts could reveal a motive. Often, the perpetrator is someone known to the victim.
How the Public Can Help
The NYPD needs the public’s assistance. Solving a homicide often depends on a single tip from a citizen.
Detectives are asking residents of Williamsburg and Boerum Hill to think back to the weekend. Did you see Michelle Montgomery on Saturday or Sunday? Did you see anyone struggling with a heavy black bag near Bushwick Avenue?
Even small details can help investigators. A vehicle double-parked near the building or an argument heard in the hallway could be relevant.
You can contact the police anonymously. The NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline is open 24/7. The number is 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
You can also submit tips online via the Crime Stoppers website. All calls are confidential. Authorities are offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
wfbnews.com will continue to monitor the investigation. We will provide updates on the Medical Examiner’s report and any arrests made in connection with the death of Michelle Montgomery.
