MIDTOWN, Manhattan — Three people were stabbed in Manhattan Monday morning, two fatally, and the incidents appear to be related, police say.
A 51-year-old suspect is in custody after being found with blood on his clothing. He is believed to be homeless and a resident of the Bellevue Men’s Shelter on East 30th Street.
It all happened when a 36-year-old construction worker was fatally stabbed just before 8:30 a.m. at 444 West 19th Street. He was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.
Then, just before 10:30 a.m., a 68-year-old man who was fishing was stabbed at 500 East 30th Street. He was also pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.
Then at 10:55 a.m., a 36-year-old woman was stabbed at East 42nd Street and First Avenue. She is also in critical condition at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
The suspect was taken into custody at East 46th Street and First Avenue. Two knives were recovered.
Detectives are trying to determine the connection between the stabbings, but officials say the suspect sparked disputes with all three victims.
It seemed like he chose his victims at random.
“He just walked up to them and started attacking them with the knives,” Detective Chief Inspector Joe Kenny said.
The suspect has eight previous arrests and Mayor Eric Adams said: “There is a real question as to why he was on the streets.”
According to the mayor, the suspect has serious psychological problems. A taxi driver witnessed one of the stabbings and called the police.
Adams said the driver’s quick action led to the suspect’s arrest and likely prevented further violence.
“These random attacks left two innocent victims dead and another fighting for her life,” Kenny said. “We have a suspect in custody and we are not looking for any others at this time.”
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