Police continue to search for the suspect involved in the fatal stabbing of a Brooklyn homeless shelter worker on Thursday evening. The incident unfolded shortly after 6 p.m. at the Days Inn by Wyndham Brooklyn, located on East New York Avenue.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the 35-year-old victim suffering from life-threatening stab wounds to his neck and abdomen. First responders quickly transported him to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center; tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The suspect, who remains at large, is described as approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 225 pounds. He was last seen fleeing the area on foot, clad entirely in black, wearing a ski mask and baseball cap. Witnesses reported hearing no arguments or disputes prior to the violent attack, leaving the motive for the stabbing unclear.
The shelter, operated by a nonprofit organization contracted by New York City's Department of Homeless Services (DHS), has been functioning out of the hotel since the pandemic began. The department labeled the incident as "an absolutely horrific tragedy,” emphasizing the commitment of frontline staff who work daily to support vulnerable populations. According to DHS, the victim was known to be hardworking and helpful to the shelter's residents.
Residents at the shelter expressed shock at the tragic news, with many reflecting on the victim's dedication to his job and the assistance he provided to those in need within the community. "He was always there to help us and was just trying to make things work for people who had nowhere else to go," one resident lamented.
The NYPD has launched an extensive investigation following the murder, canvassing the area for any potential witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage to gather more information on the suspect's identity and whereabouts. So far, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active.
This painfully violent incident highlights the dangers faced by workers who serve some of the city’s most vulnerable individuals. With attacks on service staff rising, city officials and community leaders are calling for increased protections for those working with homeless populations, reflecting on the urgent need to address violence within these facilities.
Meanwhile, as police continue their search for the suspect, the community mourns the loss of yet another life impacted by violence. The victim’s name has yet to be released pending notification of his family, but his legacy of kindness and service will be remembered by those who knew him.
The tragic stabbing incident serves as both a grim reminder of the risks faced by shelter workers and the urgent need to investigate the underlying issues contributing to violence against those dedicated to helping others.
