A housekeeping manager at New York’s Jumeirah Essex House hotel has been arrested for the murder of a woman staying at one of the hotel’s apartments.

According to reports, police say Derrick Praileau, 29, slipped into the apartment where investment adviser Andree (Sara) Bejjani, 44, was sleeping and tried to rape her.

When she resisted, Praileau strangled her and slashed her throat, police allege.

Praileau, who has worked at the hotel since he was 17, was charged with second-degree murder and was ordered to be held without bail at hearing on Sunday night.

In a statement, Jumeirah said, “This incident occurred in one of the private condominiums at the Essex House complex. Our sincere condolences go out to the victim’s family, and we have offered our full support during this difficult time.

“We understand that a long-term hotel employee has been arrested and charged in conjunction with this incident. We continue to fully cooperate with the police throughout their investigation. It is now a criminal matter and is being handled accordingly.”

Praileau, who is married with two children, told police he had been drinking all night before getting to work an hour early at 5am, soon after which the attack occurred, reports the New York Post.

The newspaper also quoted sources which stated police found a copy of his work schedule on the body, where it apparently fell from his pocket as he fled from the room.

He also left his blood-stained shoes, trousers and shirt at his Bronx apartment, where they were recovered by police.