A manhunt is underway for Matthew Zoll, a 23-year-old suspected of fatally stabbing his father, Joseph Zoll, 61, early Saturday morning at their home in Rocky Point, Long Island. According to authorities, the incident occurred shortly before 1:30 AM, with neighbors reporting hearing the elder Zoll's faint cries for help.
Matthew allegedly attacked his father inside their modest high ranch home on Quail Road, which has left the community shocked. "It was very, it wasn’t extremely loud, ‘help,’" recalled neighbor Karen Diffley, who lived next door for 28 years. "You know, it was just kind of, ‘help.’" Another neighbor reported hearing the cries but initially believed they might stem from her husband's television.
Following the stabbing, Joseph Zoll was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he later succumbed to his stab wounds. This tragic event has sparked fear among local residents, especially since Matthew remains at large. Suffolk County Police are actively searching for him and have released his photos to aid the public in locating him.
Matthew Zoll is described as having brown hair and brown eyes, standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 150 pounds. He has a small scar under his left eye and police do not believe he has access to a vehicle. At this time, the motive for the stabbing remains unclear.
The incident has sent ripples of disbelief through the tight-knit Rocky Point community, which is known for being quiet. Local contractor Sean Lamb expressed his shock, recalling conversations he had with Joseph just days prior to the incident. “I couldn’t believe it when someone sent me the picture of Joe and said his son stabbed him. He was very kind,” Lamb said.
Gavan Israel, who lives across the street and studies horticulture, described the elder Zoll as “a super nice guy,” mentioning their friendly interactions when washing their cars. Israel noted, “Joe had a problem with alcohol years ago but he cleaned up.” Others echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on the community's loss.
This incident appears to be linked to Matthew’s mental health struggles. It was previously reported by police earlier this year when he briefly went missing after stepping off his medication. Neighbors recalled noticing something amiss with Matthew, remarking how he often seemed withdrawn and kept his head down.
Following the stabbing, residents shared their concerns about safety, with one downstairs neighbor expressing fear about living next to someone who they knew was dangerous. “It makes you feel everything all over again. I’m not feeling too safe here,” he confided.
Police investigations are underway, and they urge anyone with information about Matthew's whereabouts to contact the authorities. "If you have any information about Matthew Zoll’s location, please call 911, the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS," they said.
This is not just another case of domestic violence; it's the tragic story of how complex mental health issues can manifest with dire consequences, impacting families and communities deeply.
