New York police launch probe after three gay men found strangled

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) is investigating the strangulation deaths of three gay men in Queens and Manhattan in recent weeks.

The NYPD said they didn’t believe the cases were related.

According to the Associated Press, the latest victim was found strangled on Saturday at the Crown Motor Inn in Elmhurst, Queens.

He was identified as 54-year-old Joseph Benzinger.

On Saturday 26 January, David Rangel, was found dead at his Jackson Heights apartment.

Two days later, 48-year-old Charles Romo was found tied up in the Hamilton Heights section of Manhattan.

There was no forced entry in any of the incidents.

On Tuesday, City Councilman Daniel Dromm urged the LGBT community to use online dating services cautiously.