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Francis Lee Rogers, a 63-year-old painter and birdwatcher also known as Elise Bainbridge Hill, was a familiar presence in Central Park’s Ramble. She painted birds and other wildlife and was found dead in a Ramble gazebo on September 27, 2026. News reports say a man was charged in connection with her death; the case remains an allegation, not a conviction or final court finding.
Who was the Central Park artist?
Rogers painted and watched birds in the Ramble, a wooded area of Central Park. She was also known as Elise Bainbridge Hill, the name she used when she appeared in the 2007 documentary Begging Naked. Later coverage identified her by both names. Hyperallergic reported that the NYPD could not confirm her identity to that publication amid the investigation.
Her paintings drew on close observation of wildlife. Joe Lopez showed CBS New York a painting he had bought from Rogers depicting Pale Male, the red-tailed hawk associated with Central Park. Lopez recalled her expertise: “She knew wildlife. She knew animal behavior. So, it’s not she just sat there and painted them. She really knew more than an artist would about these animals and I found that intriguing and interesting.”
Robert “Birding Bob” DeCandido, quoted by Hyperallergic, remembered Rogers as “the Grandma Moses of Central Park.”
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Her paintings and life in the Ramble
Friends told The New York Times, in an account republished by The Philadelphia Inquirer, that Rogers sold hundreds of paintings over roughly three decades, mostly by word of mouth among local birders. That is their estimate, not a formal inventory. The same account says wildlife photographer Lincoln Karim recalled smaller works selling for $300 and a large oil painting for $1,200. Lopez said he bought illustrations for as much as $400. These are historical reported sales, not current valuations or offers; the reports do not establish an authorized source of paintings available now.
Rogers was also a regular birdwatcher and, according to people who knew her, helped care for the birds she painted. Karim, who said he had known her for about 25 years, said: “For years, she was the only person maintaining those bird feeders in the Ramble.” He added that she spent hundreds of dollars on birdseed and suet. That is Karim’s account, not an official parks assessment.
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People quoted in coverage recalled her daily presence, knowledge of wildlife and generosity. The Inquirer/Times account also reported that Rogers described painting as an escape from street life and Central Park as an oasis from Manhattan’s bustle.
What is known about her death and the criminal case?
Reports say Rogers was found dead in a wooden gazebo in the Ramble on Sunday, September 27, 2026. CBS New York reported that police responded before 10 a.m. NY1 reported that Jonathan Robles, 36, was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
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An October 1, 2026, amNewYork report citing court documents described a second-degree murder arraignment and allegations about statements attributed to Robles. Those are allegations reported during an ongoing case. A charge is not proof of guilt, and the available reports do not establish a conviction or final court finding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why early reports used different descriptions
Initial CBS New York and NY1 reports said police had not released the woman’s identity while seeking next of kin. Later coverage named Rogers and linked her to the name Elise Bainbridge Hill. The difference reflects when and how reports were sourced; it does not mean every outlet had official confirmation. Hyperallergic specifically said the NYPD could not confirm her identity to that publication during the investigation.
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