Housekeeper Claims She Was Tortured By Queens Couple Over Alleged Theft
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Queens housekeeper on Thursday said she was kidnapped and tortured – beaten across her entire body – and claimed the couple who hired her was to blame.
Daisy Machuea was attacked inside a Bayside residence last Friday, police said. Remembering the attack, she told CBS2's Weijia Jiang she was convinced she would be killed.
"The guy told her, 'Say goodbye to your family, because you're going to die here,'" said the victim's friend, Oscar Ramirez, who interpreted for her.
Machuea, a 54-year-old grandmother, was treated at a hospital for burns to her face and legs, as well as bruising to her body, police said.
On Feb. 13, Machuea said she arrived for work as a housekeeper at the home where she worked, on 217th Street in Bayside, Queens. She said the home turned into a torture chamber.
She said a large knife was put up against her neck when she arrived.
Police said the homeowners -- Devanand Lachman, 32, and his wife, Ambar, 31 – had accused Machuea of robbing them of $8,000 in cash and jewelry.
She was allegedly confronted by the Lachmans and another man, sources told CBS2. The Lachmans questioned Machuea about the missing property while the third person burned her with legs, face and hair with a torch, sources said.
The third person and Devanand Lachman allegedly beat Machuea too, and allegedly threatened her with a knife and gun.
Machuea showed CBS2 dozens of wounds, saying she was punched in the head and face. The wounds were nearly two weeks old Thursday, but they remained raw.
Pictures taken right after the attack revealed just how bad it was. Machuea suffered dark bruises all over, her face was severely swollen, and the skin on her legs was scorched off.
After prolonged interrogation and abuse, the victim told them she had the missing merchandise and would hand it over, sources told CBS2. According to the criminal complaint, the housekeeper was driven back to her Long Island home and told if she didn't return the money by the next day she would be killed.
"She said, 'OK, OK, take the money,'" Ramirez said.
But Machuea said it was a desperate lie to stop the brutal beating, and she never took anything.
The couple drove Machuea home to Port Washington, Long Island to look for the cash. Her longtime friend saw her badly hurt and called 911.
"I cry because I'm very upset," Ramirez said.
Both Lachmans were arrested the following day and charged with kidnapping and assault, sources said. Ambar Lachman was released on $50,000 bail. Devanand Lachman was ordered held without bail.
They are not cooperating with authorities and have not revealed the identity of the third suspect, sources said.
Police have released a sketch of the third person they are seeking. They described him as a dark-skinned man, 30 to 35 years old, 6 feet tall and with a medium build.
Machuea broke down after seeking the sketch for the first time – haunted by flashbacks.
"Call the police – the guy is a very dangerous guy," she said through Ramirez.
There was no answer at the Lachmanns' home Thursday.
Neighbors on the block didn't seem to know the family, CBS2's Alice Gainer reported
"I have seen them before, but don't really deal with them that often," one man said. "Quiet people."
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.