Coroner: Designer Sylvie Cachay Was Strangled, Drowned

Medical examiner rules death a homicide; ex-boyfriend still in custody after being arrested on attempted murder charge

By Natalie Finn Dec 30, 2010 12:47 AMTags
Sylvie CachayMCMULLAN CO/SIPA

Sylvie Cachay's death is now officially a case for a higher authority.

Following an autopsy, the New York City Medical Examiner has ruled the swimwear designer's Dec. 9 death at Manhattan's Soho House a homicide, stating that the 33-year-old beauty was strangled and forcibly held underwater, presumably in the overflowing bathtub where her body was discovered.

So what does this mean for Cachay's ex, who's still behind bars in connection with her death?

MORE: Five things you need to know about the Sylvie Cachay case

Nicholas Brooks, who was arrested Dec. 10 and later arraigned on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder and strangulation, continues to be held without bail pending a Jan. 4 hearing, when the indictment against him will be unsealed.

"Whatever [the medical examiner's report] says is subject to testing by other professionals," Brooks' attorney, Jeffrey Hoffman, told the Associated Press. "We'll reach whatever conclusions after we can see for ourselves."

Brooks had been seen leaving and returning to the members-only Soho House several times on the night of Cachay's death, according to police. He was not in the room when Cachay's body was discovered at around 3 a.m. and returned to find police and emergency personnel. Brooks told police that he had been out having drinks with a friend.

Cachay was "absolutely fine" when his client last saw her, Hoffman said.

The designer had been staying at the hotel since her West Village apartment was damaged in a fire.