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Queens homeowner charged in stabbings that killed 2 tenants and suspect's girlfriend: DA
By
Phil Corso
Published Nov 15, 2023
Modified Nov 15, 2023
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By
Phil Corso
Published Nov 15, 2023
Modified Nov 15, 2023
Share
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Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz has filed murder charges against homeowner David Daniel in connection with an incident in which three people, including two of his tenants, were found fatally stabbed inside a St. Albans home on Tuesday.
Daniel, described by police as the tenants' live-in landlord, was arraigned on multiple charges, including three counts of murder, as well as criminal possession of a weapon. He pleaded not guilty, according to court records.
Describing the crime scene as marked by "extraordinary brutality," Katz said, "In court, what we will show is that the defendant viciously stabbed his defenseless victims to death."
Police said the 54-year-old turned himself in after the brutal attack Tuesday morning, saying he had “done something bad” after a dispute with his roommates. Authorities later discovered a man and woman, later identified as Daniel's tenants, lying on the floor with multiple stab wounds at the Milburn Street residence. A woman, later identified as Daniel's girlfriend, was also found in a second-floor bedroom with stab wounds, authorities said. All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, the NYPD said.
On Wednesday evening, police identified the victims as Queens residents Wayne Thomas, 57, Evette Sweeney, 55, and Coleen Fields, 51.
If found guilty, he could face a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole. He was due back in court Friday, court records showed.
His attorney did not immediately respond for comment.
This story has been updated with the names of the victims.
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Phil Corso
Phil Corso is the evening news editor at WNYC/Gothamist. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
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