Nationwide — Lisa Grier, a 33-year-old African American woman from New York, was found dead in her Mount Vernon apartment over the weekend. Police say her boyfriend allegedly killed her before fleeing and carrying out a separate carjacking in Manhattan that ended in his arrest.
Grier, a teaching assistant with New York City Public Schools, was discovered Saturday inside her Fourth Street apartment after officers conducted a welfare check. Police launched an investigation after finding signs that she had suffered a violent attack.
According to CBS News, a felony complaint in Mount Vernon alleges that Grier’s 28-year-old boyfriend, Joveair Brice, hit her with a hammer, leading to fatal injuries. Sources say the couple had been in a relationship for more than five years, with social media reflecting their long-term connection.
The next day, Brice allegedly carjacked a yellow taxi in Manhattan and later crashed into an unmarked police vehicle. Video shows him in custody after the incident. The NYPD initially identified him as Joseph Ryce, but sources confirmed the suspect is Brice, who was already wanted in connection with the Mount Vernon killing.
Brice is currently held at Rikers Island on charges tied to the carjacking. Authorities have also issued a separate arrest warrant for him in the Mount Vernon homicide case as investigators continue to establish the full sequence of events.
Grier’s death has left colleagues and the wider school community in mourning. A spokesperson for New York City Public Schools said support services, including in-school counseling, are being provided to staff and students affected by the loss. United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew described Grier as “truly special,” highlighting her kindness and dedication.
Outside of her work in education, Grier was active in her church, The Grace Place NYC. Pastor Stephen Perumalla said the news shocked the congregation and remembered her as someone who made others feel welcomed and valued.