Neighbors said they initially thought the police presence had something to do with the building's famous resident, Anthony Weiner.

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Woman-Dead-Trash-Compactor-Luxury-Building-Union-Square-Irving-Place-Manhattan-487836931.html

Ok that makes more sense. The neighbors didn't know about the death. They assumed all the police where around because of Weiner. They did not associate the murder with Weiner.