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Updated 02/14/2013 12:23 PM

Police Make Arrest In Queens Motel Slay

By: NY1 News

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Police on Thursday announced an arrest in connection with the killing of a man in a Queens motel.

It's one of two similar cases that occurred over the course of two weeks in which both of the victims were gay men.

In this case, Joseph Benzinger, 54, was found dead inside the Crown Motor Inn in Elmhurst on Saturday.

Police arrested Lleuyel Garcia, 23, on charges of murder, robbery and criminal possession of stolen property.

Sources tell NY1 the men knew each other and had previously been in a sexual relationship.

Police don't believe Benzinger's murder is connected to that of David Rangel.

Police say Rangel was found strangled under his couch in Jackson Heights on January 27.

So far, no arrests have been made in that case.