By Adam Nichols
DNAinfo News Editor
MANHATTAN — A housekeeping manager at the upscale Jumeirah Essex House hotel and condo admitted to a judge Monday that he killed a guest after sexually attacking her.
Derrick Praileau, 31, pleaded guilty to first degree murder and attempted rape at Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. said.
"This was a brutal and senseless crime," Vance said in a statement. "There is an unstated trust we place in people who have access to our homes by virtue of their profession. Today's guilty plea ensures that this man will serve a lengthy sentence behind bars."
He told the judge he searched the hotel for somebody to attack while drunk in September 2009.
His hunt ended when he stabbed and strangled investment adviser Andree "Sara" Bejjani, 44, the New York Post reported.
Praileau admitted he used a keycard to access Bejjani's room, and then strangled her and stabbed her in the neck
Praileau will be sentenced next month to 23 years to life in prison, according to the Post.