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May 10, 2021 By Christina Santucci
A 28-year-old Queens Village man was arraigned Sunday afternoon on charges of killing and sexually assaulting his own mother, the Queens district attorney said.
Pushkar Sharma was charged with second degree murder and first degree sexual abuse in the death of his 65-year-old mother, Saroj Sharma, authorities said. The incident took place inside their family home at 88-48 Winchester Blvd.
“What should have been a celebration of Mother’s Day became a brutal, tragic nightmare for a Queens family. The defendant in this horrific case allegedly choked, punched, sexually assaulted and killed his mother in their home,” Queens DA Melinda Katz said in a statement.
Authorities said Pushkar Sharma approached his mom from behind around 8 a.m. Saturday morning, placed his hands around her throat and then allegedly began to choke and punch her in the face.
Saroj, however, fought back. After the pair struggled and fell to the floor, Sharma allegedly continued to punch and strangle her – then he allegedly sexually assaulted her and continued to strangle her until she lost consciousness, the DA said.
Afterward, Sharma went up to his room, grabbed his wallet and keys and walked to the police precinct about five blocks away, according to the DA.
Sharma was still wearing bloody clothing when he showed up at the 105th NYPD Precinct and allegedly confessed to killing his mother, a police spokesperson told the Associated Press.
Around the same time, emergency responders were trying to revive Saroj, whose daughter had found her unconscious in the basement of the family’s home and called 911. Police said Saroj had bruises on her face and neck.
Medics brought Saroj to Long Island Jewish Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
On Sunday, Queens Criminal Court Judge Toko Serita ordered that Sharma undergo a psychiatric exam and that he be remanded until his next court appearance on May 24, court records show. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
Sharma’s attorney was unable to be reached for comment Sunday evening.
Neighbors told the New York Post that Saroj was an avid gardener and that her son struggled with mental illness.
“He wouldn’t hurt a fly if he’s on his meds,” one nearby resident said.
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