Boston University College of Fine Arts 2003 alumnus Paul Cortez has been questioned by the New York City Police Department in connection to the murder of exotic dancer Catherine Woods, according to numerous media reports.
Woods was found with wounds to her neck at approximately 7 p.m. at her East 86th Street apartment in Manhattan Sunday night by her roommate David Haughn, Deputy Commission of Public Information Sgt. Mary Christine Doherty said. Haughn was also reportedly questioned by police.
According to The New York Daily News, “Both Haughn and Cortez, of Spanish Harlem, were released by cops yesterday after being questioned at length. Neither has been charged with a crime.” Doherty said the police had only questioned two men in connection to the case, but she would not confirm or deny their identities.
The Daily News also made mention of a possible love triangle among Woods, Cortez and Haughn.
Police say there have been no official suspects named or arrests made. Because the murder investigation is still ongoing, Doherty said she could not comment further.
Woods died as a result of incised wounds of the neck transecting the larynx and jugular vein, according to New York City Medical Examiner’s Office spokeswoman Ellen Borakove.
“This basically means it was a deep slash wound, not a stabbing,” she said.
Woods was identified at the city morgue by her family earlier this week.
Cortez graduated from the College of Fine Arts and pursued a theatrical career in New York, but reportedly last worked at the Equinox Gym as a personal trainer.
Equinox Gym’s Public Relations Department said the company has no comment on the case.