Crime
Stabbing spree in Manhattan: Two men killed, woman critically injured by knife-wielding man
A horrific series of unprovoked stabbings unfolded in Manhattan on Monday morning leaving two men dead and a woman critically injured.
Authorities have identified the suspect as a 51-year-old resident of the Bellevue Men’s Shelter, who was apprehended shortly after the attacks.
Timeline of Events
First Attack: West 19th Street
The violent spree began around 8:20 a.m. when the suspect approached a 30-year-old man on West 19th Street near Eighth Avenue and stabbed him in the stomach.
- Victim: Identified as a construction worker.
- Response: The man was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Second Attack: East 30th Street
Roughly two hours later, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the suspect targeted another victim, this time a man in his 60s, on East 30th Street near the FDR Drive.
- Incident: The man was stabbed multiple times.
- Outcome: He was also transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
Third Attack: East 42nd Street
Shortly before 11 a.m., the attacker struck again, stabbing a woman in the chest at East 42nd Street and First Avenue.
- Victim: A woman whose identity has not been disclosed.
- Condition: She was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition.
Suspect and Arrest
The suspect was detained by authorities at East 46th Street and First Avenue, following a citywide manhunt.
- Residence: Identified as living at the Bellevue Men’s Shelter.
- Behavior: Sources indicated that the stabbings appeared random, with the attacker instigating disputes before each assault.
- Charges: Pending as of the latest updates.
Community and Police Response
The spree left Manhattan residents and authorities shaken. Police are investigating the motive behind the attacks, though preliminary findings suggest no connection between the victims and the assailant.
Victim Support and Resources
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incidents to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
The city also continues to emphasize the importance of mental health resources and safety measures for vulnerable populations.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and mental health crises within urban communities.
Crime
Stephen McKenzie Identified as Suspect in Pembroke Park Shooting That Left Mother and Three Children Dead
PEMBROKE PARK, FL – Authorities have identified the suspect in a horrific mass shooting at a Pembroke Park apartment complex as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, the father of two of the youngest victims.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Pembroke Park Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman and three children fatally shot inside the residence.
The victims were identified as:
- Julie Cruz, 32 (mother)
- Xion Solomon, 11
- Nova McKenzie, 2
- Emery McKenzie, 2
Both Nova and Emery were McKenzie’s biological children, authorities confirmed.
Additionally, first responders found 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds.
She was immediately transported to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
McKenzie was also located at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an unsuccessful suicide attempt, according to investigators.
He was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition and is currently in police custody.
During a press briefing, BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro confirmed that McKenzie has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
“Upon arrival, officers found a woman and three children inside the apartment, all of whom were pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. Another child and an adult male were also found injured. That male has now been identified as the suspect,” Caro stated.
The children’s grandmother arrived at the scene shortly after authorities notified her of the tragedy, collapsing into tears as she grieved the loss of her daughter and grandchildren.
“That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter!” she wailed in agony, as bystanders and neighbors attempted to console her.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the attack, but neighbors and community members are left shocked and devastated by the brutal act of domestic violence.
“I just don’t understand what could lead someone to do something so terrible,” said one neighbor.
McKenzie remains hospitalized under police watch as the BSO Homicide Unit continues its investigation.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.