Mother's Final Hours Before Tragic Discovery in Basement
The dismembered remains of a mother-of-four were discovered in a plastic bag within a New York City apartment building basement, following a night out with friends that ended in unimaginable tragedy. Michelle Montgomery, aged 39, was reported missing before her body was found under horrific circumstances that have left her family and community in profound shock.
Last Contact and Mysterious Evening Out
According to family members, Michelle Montgomery made a brief FaceTime call to her sister at approximately 10pm on Saturday evening. Serenity Montgomery, the victim's sister, reported hearing music in the background before the connection abruptly terminated after just one second. She expressed uncertainty about whether the call was intentional or accidental, adding to the growing mystery surrounding Michelle's final hours.
Around an hour after the FaceTime attempt, Michelle posted a social media video showing herself dancing with two unidentified individuals. Her husband, Anthony Echevarria, with whom she shared four children aged 19, 12, 11, and 10 months, stated that his wife left their home in good spirits to meet friends but he did not know who these companions were.
Discovery and Investigation Details
Police responded to reports of an unconscious person at a New York City Housing Authority complex on Sunday, where they made the grim discovery of Michelle's dismembered remains in the building's basement. Notably, the victim was not a resident of this particular housing complex, raising further questions about the circumstances that led her to this location.
Maintenance personnel were observed entering and exiting the building where the body was found, though authorities have made no arrests in connection with the case. The investigation remains active as detectives work to piece together the events that culminated in this brutal crime.
Family's Heartbreaking Response
Anthony Echevarria described his wife as someone who rarely went out due to their family commitments, making her disappearance particularly shocking. "She left this house vibrant, happy and alive," he told reporters, emphasizing that he expected her to return home as she always had before. "Everybody is in shock. Things are running through my head like a broken record," he added, capturing the family's devastation.
The family has established a GoFundMe page to support Michelle's four children, writing in an emotional tribute: "A beautiful soul, a devoted mother, and a woman who meant everything to her children was taken far too soon. This loss has left her family, friends, and loved ones in shock and deep heartbreak." They further expressed concern for the children's future without their mother's guidance and unconditional love.
Ongoing Mystery and Community Impact
As the investigation continues, numerous questions remain unanswered about Michelle Montgomery's final movements and the identity of those she met that fateful evening. The case has drawn attention to safety concerns within the community while highlighting the profound impact of violent crime on families left behind.
Police have urged anyone with information about Michelle's activities on Saturday night or the individuals she was with to come forward as they work to bring justice in this harrowing case that has left a family shattered and a community searching for answers.
