TRIBECA, Manhattan — The disappearance of Paula Chin, a 65-year-old retired businesswoman, from her Tribeca townhouse in early 2019, quickly spiraled into a twisted case of familial betrayal and greed, according to the New York City Police Department.

Chin was reported missing on Feb. 4, 2019, by her sons, Jared Eng, then 22, and Brandon Eng, then 24, police said. the sons told investigators that they had last seen their mother at the end of January.

“Brandon and Jared were trying to reach her on her cell phone, which went straight to voicemail,” said Det. Carlos delgado of the NYPD’s 1st Precinct. Delgado‘s comments are featured in the “Trouble in Tribeca” episode of New York Homicide, which airs Saturdays at 9 p.m. Eastern on Oxygen.

Chin, a Queens native, had amassed considerable wealth with her late husband through a paper products business and real estate ventures, according to sources close to the family. Her husband’s death,when their sons were young,left her to raise them in affluence and privilege,sending them to exclusive New York City private schools,according to Rebecca Rosenberg,an investigative journalist who has followed the case closely.”Paula always seemed to have a smile on her face. I just always admired the way she carried herself,” said Mark Abbott, a neighbor of Chin’s at her Morris Township, New Jersey, home.

After retiring in her mid-60s, Chin was looking forward to traveling and enjoying the fruits of her labor. However, her plans were cut short by her sudden disappearance and subsequent murder.

The investigation revealed a chilling plot motivated by financial gain, leading to the arrest of Jared Eng, who was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder in Chin’s death. Prosecutors argued that Eng, along with his girlfriend and another accomplice, brutally murdered his mother in her tribeca home to gain access to her estate, estimated to be worth millions of dollars.The case exposed the dark underbelly of a seemingly successful family, highlighting the devastating consequences of greed and the lengths to which some will go for money.

Do you think the justice system adequately addressed the depth of the emotional pain caused by these actions, or should there have been a greater emphasis on the psychological impact on those they had the ability to effect?

Interview: Unraveling the Tribeca Tragedy – A Conversation with Investigative Journalist, Rebecca Rosenberg

Archyde News recently sat down with Rebecca Rosenberg, an investigative journalist who has been following the Paula Chin case closely, to delve into the chilling details of the Tribeca murder and the familial betrayal that rocked New York City.

The Initial Disappearance and the Unfolding Mystery

Archyde News: Rebecca, thanks for joining us. This case has captivated the city.Can you walk us through the initial moments of Paula Chin’s disappearance and how it began to unravel?

Rebecca Rosenberg: Certainly. Paula Chin, a well-known figure in Tribeca, went missing in early 2019. Her sons, Jared and Brandon Eng, reported her missing on February 4th, claiming they hadn’t seen her for several days. Initially, it seemed like a routine missing person case, but the details quickly became sinister. The fact that her phone went straight to voicemail raised immediate red flags, especially considering her age and lifestyle. These initial indicators created concern about the case’s growth.

The Wealth, the Motive, and the Betrayal

Archyde News: The financial aspect seems central to this case. Can you elaborate on Paula Chin’s wealth and the potential motives that emerged?

Rebecca Rosenberg: Paula had amassed meaningful wealth, primarily through her late husband’s paper products business and subsequent real estate investments. She lived a agreeable life, retired, and was looking forward to enjoying her life. The sons,jared and Brandon,were the primary beneficiaries of her estate. The sheer size of her assets, estimated in the millions, presented a clear motive for those potentially within reach. Greed, sadly, became the driving force here. The greed drove the murder, which is something that is very hard to comprehend, as it is indeed an unexplainable sense of betrayal.

The Role of the Sons and the Investigation’s Turning Point

Archyde News: The sons were the ones who reported her missing. When did the investigation begin to shift its focus towards them?

Rebecca Rosenberg: Early on, the investigation was focused on finding Paula alive. However, as it uncovered more details, the suspicions began to fall on Jared and, indirectly, the other suspected involvement.The missing person aspect quickly morphed into a homicide investigation. The evidence, including forensic analysis and witness testimonies, ultimately started to connect directly to Jared Eng and his accomplices.

Understanding the Community and the Impact

Archyde News: What was the atmosphere in Tribeca and the broader New York community after the news of Paula Chin’s murder broke?

Rebecca Rosenberg: The community was shocked, hurt, and shaken. Paula was a well-respected figure, known for her kindness.This case highlighted the fragility of trust, even within families. neighbors and friends expressed disbelief, as they struggled to reconcile the image of Paula with the brutal crime committed against her. This case left people to question everything around them.

Lessons learned and Looking Ahead

Archyde News: What lessons do you think this tragic case brings to light?

Rebecca Rosenberg: This case serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of greed,the importance of maintaining relationships,and the devastating consequences of family conflict. It underscores the duty we have to ensure the safety of our loved ones and to be aware of the warning signs of manipulation and betrayal.We must remain vigilant about our relationships with those we care about the most.

Archyde News: A final thought-provoking question to encourage reader interaction: Do you think the justice system adequately addressed the depth of the emotional pain caused by these actions, or should there have been a greater emphasis on the psychological impact on those they had the ability to effect?

Rebecca Rosenberg: A very insightful question. The legal system often focuses on punishment and liability,but the psychological impact goes far beyond any verdict. While justice was served, the emotional scars on the family and community will likely endure.