(L. to r.); City Council Director of Community Outreach Tony Simone, NYC Anti-Violence Project Deputy Director for Community Organizing Ejeris Dixon and Councilmember Daniel Dromm. Two openly gay men were murdered within a week of each other in the district that encompasses Jackson Heights and Elmhurst. The first murder occurred at 32-23 91st Street on February 3 and the second murder occurred exactly one week later at the Crown Motor Inn. In both cases, the men were strangled. Also, in both crimes there was no forced entry and the two victims were middle-aged. At a press conference on February 12, the Crown Motor Inn, 74-01 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst, Councilmember Daniel Dromm helped raise awareness among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by urging caution when using online dating services and when meeting someone for the first time.

Later in the week, the councilmember released the following statement about the arrest made in the Joseph Benzinger murder.

"I commend the swift action taken by the NYPD to make an arrest in the murder of Joseph Benzinger," said Dromm. "Despite the arrest, it is vitally important that we continue to remain vigilant. The other murders committed against gay men remain unsolved but I am hopeful that the NYPD will capture the perpetrators. Again, I want to urge everyone that it is always important to practice safety whether meeting people online or in person."