A grisly family tragedy unfolded in Howard Beach, Queens, resulting in a son being accused of the fatal stabbing of his own father. Police identified the victim as 76-year-old John Muraco, resident of a home on 102nd Street, the scene where he suffered a lethal chest wound late Saturday night, as reported by CBS News New York. Authorities responded to a 911 call just before 11:45 p.m. and pronounced Muraco dead at the location.
The following morning, police arrested 25-year-old Carl Muraco, the elder son of the victim, and charged him with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. The suspect lived with his family, including John Muraco in the basement of the house. Neighbors, who were recently acquainted with the family, expressed their dismay and extended sympathies to the bereaved, "I pray for their family, their loved ones," neighbor Freddy Ariola told CBS News New York. Another neighbor, Simon Prestigiacomo, recounted learning about the incident, saying, "I said, 'What happened? He goes, 'My brother killed my father.'"
Preliminary details about the incident itself were sparse, with the motive behind the stabbing still unclear. Investigators continued their work on Sunday, with the area around the crime scene cordoned off, as per PIX11. Carl Muraco remained in police custody as officials delve further into the case.
The NYPD is reaching out to the public seeking information about the case and encourages anyone who can help to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline. The authorities assure confidentiality for all calls.
