Homeless Artist Found Murdered in Central Park

A well-loved homeless artist, known for her vibrant depictions of Central Park’s birds, was discovered brutally murdered in a gazebo near the park’s boathouse. The tragic news has emerged, and it’s hit many hard.

Lee Rogers, 63, who passionately sold her detailed wildlife watercolors during her time living in the park, died after an attack on Sunday by a man wielding a stick, according to law-enforcement officials.

“She was like the Grandma Moses of Central Park,” remarked Robert DeCandido, a local nature walk guide, drawing a comparison to the iconic American folk artist.

“When she painted the bird feeders, birdwatchers adored her work. They would buy her pieces right there in the park,” DeCandido, known as “Birding Bob,” shared.

The unsettling discovery of a body in the gazebo near 74th Street and East Drive sparked swift speculation among Central Park’s birdwatchers and the homeless community that it might be Rogers.

Police reported that the suspect, Jonathan Robles, 36, turned himself in late Sunday.

While details are still emerging, sources indicate that a dispute arose between Rogers and Robles, which escalated into the deadly confrontation.

Rogers referred to herself as Francis Lee Rogers across her online platforms. She was also known by the name Elise Bainbridge Hill, which offers a glimpse into her complicated history.

In fact, Rogers was featured in a 2007 documentary titled “Begging Naked,” revealing how she escaped to New York City as a teenager.

Her younger years were marked by struggles, including prostitution and drug addiction, during which time she also worked as a stripper while developing her artistic talents.

Throughout her time in Central Park, Rogers maintained an air of mystery, often seen with her sketchbook and a distinctive walking stick.

When the New York Times profiled her back in 2012, she chose not to disclose her age or detailed personal history.

Many park visitors were familiar with Rogers through her art, which she sold while staying in churches near the park. “For many years I was homeless,” she wrote on her website. “I worked on my paintings at the Central Park boathouse.”

Robles is currently awaiting arraignment in Manhattan on charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon.