PARAMUS, NJ (TCD) — Last week, a 32-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges for allegedly stabbing his father to death with a kitchen knife and then attempting to set his body on fire to cover it up.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, on Friday, February 16, at approximately 5:40 p.m., Paramus Police Department officers were called to a residence on Bruce Drive in reference to a possible homicide. When they arrived, they found 61-year-old Manuel Thomas in the basement with multiple stab wounds. He was confirmed dead at the scene.
Investigators identified Manuel Thomas' son, Melvin Thomas, as the main suspect in the case, and arrested him the same day on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, second-degree obstruction and third-degree possession. Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
An arrest affidavit cited by NJ.com states that Melvin Thomas admitted to police that he killed his father on Wednesday, February 14th. After stabbing him, he reportedly carried Manuel Thomas' body into the bathroom and attempted to set it on fire with a lighter. . But he was not successful.
Melvin Thomas then allegedly cleaned the house and kitchen knives “to cover up the crime.”
He is being held without bail, according to Bergen County Jail records.
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