NYPD: Owner of a beauty salon in East Harlem pushed to her death by her own son

NEW YORK – A community is shocked and saddened by the death of a popular East Harlem salon owner.

The life of 44-year-old Vianel Garcia ended abruptly Sunday afternoon in Riverside Park in Washington Heights. Investigators say she suffered fatal injuries after being pushed down a grassy slope by her own son, 22-year-old Miguel Duval.

“A group of police officers were huddled in the corner. Someone was trying to resuscitate the body for what felt like 20 minutes,” said witness Natalia Weaver.

Police said Duval was taken into custody just hours after his mother’s death and now faces a charge of first-degree murder.

Customers shocked by the news

Vianel Beauty Salon was supposed to be bustling with customers on Monday, but instead the doors on East 112th Street were closed because customers left flowers for Garcia.

The news was shocking to those who knew her.

“I’m going to cry. She was the best. The whole neighborhood loved her,” said customer Naomi Roman.

“She’s incredible. I don’t understand it. She’s a really good person,” added Daphne Lugo.

Garcia was a cheerful woman. She was a mother of four children and an important businesswoman in the community.

“I didn’t believe it. I didn’t believe it. I didn’t believe it,” said customer Norma Mendez. “She sacrificed so much for her children.”

“She was very friendly, there was music and she offered coffee,” Roman said.

“She always meant well. She helped everyone here,” Lugo said.

Lugo was touched as she told CBS New York that she had just gotten her hair done on Friday, not knowing it would be her last time with Garcia.

“This is a very big loss for all of us,” Lugo said.