NYC skyscraper body ID'd as cleaning woman

Victim was found in air-conditioning duct; had been bound, gagged

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updated 6:18 p.m. ET July 13, 2009

NEW YORK - The New York City medical examiner has officially identified a body found in a Manhattan skyscraper as that of a missing cleaning woman.

Police found the body of Eridania Rodriguez in a 12th-floor air-conditioning duct on Saturday at a building near the World Trade Center site.

Her identity was confirmed Monday by the medical examiner's spokeswoman, Ellen Borakove.

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Rodriguez had been bound and gagged, and a gold crucifix was taped to her mouth. She had been missing since last Tuesday.

The 46-year-old mother of three was the sister of professional bodybuilder Victor Martinez. She was a native of the Dominican Republic who lived in upper Manhattan.

Rodriguez hadn't been seen since her work shift Tuesday at the 26-story tower. Rodriguez's street clothes and other belongings were found in her locker, and video surveillance didn't show her leaving the building.

An autopsy Sunday determined the woman was asphyxiated by tape applied to her head and face. Her hands were tied behind her back, and her feet and mouth were bound, authorities said.

Rodriguez made her last appearance on security videotape at the skyscraper about 7 p.m. Tuesday. Her cleaning cart was found on the eighth floor.

The building, at 2 Rector St., is a few blocks from the World Trade Center site. Like many others near ground zero, it was upgraded with enhanced security after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Cameras cover every exit, and guards staff the lobby 24 hours a day.

Among the building's tenants are Daniel Libeskind, the architect who created the master plan to redevelop the 16-acre Trade Center site.