A 33-year-old man has been accused of fatally stabbing his father about 40 times at the victim’s home in Mastic, New York.
Edward Brown, 69, was found covered in blood and unresponsive at his apartment on September 7. He was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
Prosecutors allege that Sage Arias-Brown entered his father’s home at about 12.30am. A neighbour reportedly heard a loud bang before hearing Mr Brown shouting.
During the alleged attack, Mr Brown called 911 and cried: “I’m being murdered. What are you doing to me, Sage?”
Investigators said Arias-Brown was seen leaving the apartment several minutes after the call. Police later found him about half a mile away and arrested him.
The defendant is accused of stabbing his father repeatedly in the torso, chest and neck. He was arraigned on one count of second-degree murder and is due back in court on October 21.
District Attorney Tierney said: “This defendant is accused of viciously taking the life of his 69-year-old father as the victim desperately called the police for help.”
“The facts in this case are heartbreaking. This indictment is an important step towards holding the defendant accountable for the brutal violence he allegedly inflicted on his own parent.”
If convicted, Arias-Brown faces a prison sentence of 25 years to life.
Earlier this month, Mr Brown wrote on Facebook about how suddenly life could change.
“It is in a blink of the eye that life can change. A twisted bowel, a broken hip. Stroke, clots, cancer, diabetes…so many reasons,” he wrote.
“Only God knows our toe tag… Life is too short.” He also urged people to care for one another and asked others to share his message.
Tributes have since appeared on his Facebook account. One person described Mr Brown as “happy and positive and boisterous”, while another called him “the kindest, most gentle soul you ever want to meet”.
Arias-Brown’s attorney has been approached for comment.
