Sylvie Cachay Death: Cops Want Search Warrant for Nicholas Brooks
NEW YORK (CBS/WCBS/AP) Investigators on Friday were seeking a search warrant to examine Nicholas Brooks, the boyfriend of Sylvie Cachay, a fashion designer found dead in a bathtub at an upscale New York City hotel in the hopes of finding evidence that may help them determine how she died.
Brooks was being held by police as they worked to obtain the warrant. He has been in custody since Cachay was discovered around 3:30 a.m. Thursday at the Soho House hotel. Police would look for traces of DNA, skin under his fingernails, and any possible signs of struggle or trauma, said Chief NYPD spokesman Paul Browne.
Police said Brooks agreed to speak with detectives at the 6th Precinct about the mysterious death of his girlfriend. After hours of questioning, sources told CBS station WCBS that Brooks hired a lawyer Friday, who told police if his client isn't charged with a crime, he should be allowed to leave.
Police refused to release Brooks, citing an ongoing investigation.
Cachay, who founded the SYLA swimsuit line, was found dead at around 3 a.m. Thursday inside the upscale SoHo House hotel and private club, the circumstances indicating possible foul play.
Police said Cachay had redness on her neck and collarbone, and her body was floating face up in an overflowing bathtub inside room 20, reports WCBS.
Cachay's parents told the Daily News their daughter recently broke up with Brooks. In fact, one of Cachay's neighbors told WCBS after a fire broke out in the fashion designer's Grennwich village apartment Wednesday, she heard the couple arguing.
That was just hours before Cachay and Brooks left for the SoHo House where she had a membership.
"It sounded like somebody attacked her," Judy, her neighbor, said. "I heard her talking very softly, and it sounded like she was almost whining or moaning."
Nicholas Brooks, 24, is the son of Academy Award-winning songwriter Joseph Brooks. Joseph Brooks penned the 1970s ballad "You Light Up My Life" and was arrested last year.
Joseph Brooks is currently out on bail, charged with sexually-assaulting 11 women whom he allegedly lured to his apartment.
The younger Brooks has not been criminally charged in the death of his girlfriend.
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF SYLVIE CACHAY ON CRIMESIDER
