The personal assistant to Linda Stein, the punk rock pioneer who later became known as "Realtor to the Stars," admitted to authorities she was involved in her boss' death, police said Friday.
Formal charges were pending against Natavia Lowery, 26, said police spokesman Paul Browne. She "made statements implicating herself" in the killing, he said.
Stein, 62, whose star-studded cadre of friends included Elton John and Madonna, was found lying in a pool of blood on Oct. 31. The slaying set off an intensive investigation, with dozens of people interviewed — including family, friends, former love interests and co-workers.
Her daughter discovered the body. An autopsy determined that Stein died from blows to the head and neck.
Stein was a pioneer in New York's punk music scene, becoming a fixture at the legendary CBGB club in Manhattan and co-managing the influential punk band the Ramones.
She was the ex-wife of Seymour Stein, the former president of Sire Records, the launching pad for the Ramones, Talking Heads and Madonna.
Stein co-managed the Ramones during the band's heyday and is credited with bringing the group to England.
She was dubbed a broker to the stars in the years after she quit rock 'n' roll for real estate, with celebrity friends and clients who included Madonna, Sting, Billy Joel, Steven Spielberg and Angelina Jolie.