Black Woman Found Dead in Brooklyn Apartment Building Basement

Family seeks answers after 39-year-old mother's dismembered body discovered in trash bag

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

The dismembered body of 39-year-old Michelle Montgomery was found in the basement of a Brooklyn public housing building on February 1st. Montgomery's husband and family are perplexed as to how she ended up there, as she lived several miles away and had no known ties to the building. Authorities are investigating the grisly murder but have not yet released a cause of death or made any arrests.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has raised alarms within the Black community in New York City, as they seek answers and justice for Montgomery's brutal killing. Her family described her as a devoted mother and beloved community member, adding to the shock and grief surrounding her mysterious death.

The details

Montgomery's dismembered body was found in a trash bag that had been dumped into a trash compactor in the basement of the Boriqunen Public Houses in Brooklyn. Investigators are trying to determine how she ended up in that building, as she lived several miles away with her husband and four children. Her husband, Anthony Echevarria, said he is at a loss to explain her presence there, as she had no known connections to the building.

  • On January 31st, Montgomery left her home around 9:30 pm to hang out with friends.
  • Around 10 pm that night, Montgomery's sister received a FaceTime call from her that immediately cut off.
  • Montgomery's body was discovered on February 1st in the basement of the Boriqunen Public Houses.

The players

Michelle Montgomery

A 39-year-old mother of four who was found dead in the basement of a Brooklyn apartment building.

Anthony Echevarria

Montgomery's husband, who is perplexed as to how she ended up in the building where her body was found, as she had no known ties to it.

Serenity

Montgomery's sister, who received a FaceTime call from her the night she disappeared.

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What they’re saying

“I can't understand why [my wife] was there”

— Anthony Echevarria, Montgomery's husband (News12 Brooklyn)

“My sister was a loving, happy person. I don't know what would make someone do this to her.”

— Serenity, Montgomery's sister (N/A)

“We will get justice. I promise that.”

— Anthony Echevarria, Montgomery's husband (N/A)

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Montgomery's death, including the cause and manner of her killing. No arrests have been made yet.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has shaken the Black community in New York City, raising concerns about safety and the need for answers and justice in the brutal murder of a beloved mother and community member.