A Highlands man is facing a first-degree murder charge after his roommate was found stabbed to death inside their North Street residence Monday evening. Michael Dunzello, 49, was also charged with third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, involving a knife, in connection with the killing of 49-year-old Angus McDougald.
Highlands police responded to the 20 block of North Street at approximately 5:58 p.m. on Sept. 21 for a report of a stabbing, according to The Monmouth Journal. Officers arriving at the scene found a deceased male victim who had two stab wounds, per the same account. McDougald was pronounced dead at the scene, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said, as reported by Daily Voice.
Investigation Led to Roommate's Arrest
An investigation by members of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Bureau and the Highlands Police Department identified Dunzello as the individual responsible for the stabbing, the Monmouth Journal report states. Santiago announced the charges against Dunzello on Sept. 22, according to Asbury Park Press, which first reported on the charges.
Dunzello is represented by attorney Thomas Huth, whose office is in Freehold, the Monmouth Journal report notes. No motive for the stabbing has been disclosed, and details on Dunzello's detention status or a first court date have not been made available.
Presumption of Innocence Remains
As with any criminal case, the charges against Dunzello are allegations at this stage. Every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until being found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the Monmouth Journal report states.
The case adds to a string of roommate-related stabbing cases reported around New Jersey in recent years. An Ocean County man was charged in 2024 with fatally stabbing an elder roommate, according to a report from WPG Talk Radio, while a Belleville man was convicted of murdering his roommate following a second trial granted by an appellate court, per a report from Patch. No further details have emerged in the Highlands case as the investigation continues.
