A Manhattan man shot his ex-girlfriend to death last night in her Washington Heights apartment, then turned the gun on himself as two of her children looked on in terror, police said.
Rafael DeLeon went to the Wadsworh Avenue home of Francisca Grillon about 8:30 p.m. He took a 22-year-old nephew, who had no idea what his uncle planned, cops said.
DeLeon, 40, who had once lived with the woman, began arguing with her and suddenly drew a gun, police said.
His nephew pleaded with him, begging, “No, don’t do it!” and tried to shield the 34-year-old woman.
But she stepped out from behind him and DeLeon fired two shots into her chest, cops said.
Then he killed himself with one shot to his head.
Neither of the children in the apartment – boys ages 10 and 14 – nor the nephew, were hurt.
Grillon has another child who was not in the apartment.
Police would not say whether DeLeon, who also lives in Washington Heights, is the father of any of the youngsters.
They said there was no record of Grillon seeking an order of protection.