Genovese, Kitty (1935–1964)

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Genovese, Kitty (1935–1964)

American murder victim. Born Catherine Genovese, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY; murdered Mar 13, 1964, in Queens, NY; dau. of Vincent and Rachel Genovese (Italian-Americans).

A 28-year-old bar manager, was returning home from work in the early morning hours when she became a symbol of urban apathy; was attacked and killed by a stranger outside her home in Kew Gardens, Queens, NY, while 38 neighbors looked on from their apartments and did nothing as she screamed for help (the serial killer, Winston Mosely, fled twice when residents turned on their lights but returned when the lights went back off; the attack lasted over 32 minutes).

See also (documentary) When Will People Help? (loosely based tv movie) "Death Scream" (1975).