Homicide in Hillcrest

A man suspected of murdering a woman in Ramapo died yesterday after fleeing to Connecticut, Ramapo Police officials say.

Just before 9 a.m., officers were called to Inwood Drive in the Hillcrest area for reported gunshots fired and a woman lying on the ground, according to Lt. Christopher Franklin.

The 56-year-old was unresponsive and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital by Spring Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps where she was pronounced dead.

After determining that the suspect, 53-year-old Lawrence Byrd, fled to Connecticut, the Ramapo Police Investigations Division notified nearby officers, including Stamford Police.

Byrd was seen walking from 300 Tresser Blvd. and officers approached him on the intersection of Canal Street and South State Street underneath the MTA train overpass.

Shortly after, Byrd shot himself in the head.

Stamford officers immediately rendered emergency care and CPR.

He was transported to Stamford Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Ramapo Police Department was assisted by the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police, Norwalk Police Department, Stamford Police Department and the Rockland County Intel Center.

The incident is currently being investigated by the Stamford Police Major Crimes Unit in conjunction with the Stamford State’s Attorney’s Office.