Fugitive, 26, busted in Washington State for strangling dad in NYC apartment 3 years ago: cops

A 26-year-old fugitive was arrested in Washington State, nearly three years after he allegedly strangled his dad in the victim’s Bronx home, cops and sources said Thursday.

Essa Kouyate was charged with murder Thursday in the April 14, 2023 death of his father, Yaya Kouyate, 48, who was found lifeless in the bathroom of his 12th floor apartment on Hoe Avenue near Jennings Street in Charlotte Gardens, police said.

His death was ruled a homicide by compression of the neck, the city medical examiner’s office said.

The apartment building at 1463 Hoe Ave in the Bronx where a murder occurred.Essa Kouyate was charged with murder Thursday in the April 14, 2023, death of his father, Yaya Kouyate.Google maps

The younger Kouyate – who lived in the city of Seedro-Wooley, known as the “gateway” to the North Cascades National Park – was picked up there on Dec. 16 by US Marshals, according to cops and online records.

He remained in lockup at the Skagit County Jail until Wednesday, when he was transported back to the Big Apple to face justice, the records show.

Police crime scene with yellow "CRIME SCENE - DO NOT CROSS" 𝓉𝒶𝓅𝑒 across the foreground and a police vehicle with flashing lights in the background.His death was ruled a homicide by compression of the neck, the city medical examiner’s office said. Paul Martinka

The motive for the slaying was not immediately known.

The arrested son was awaiting arraignment on Thursday.