New York City stabbing spree kills 2, critically injures woman; suspect in custody

Two people are dead and another is fighting for her life after they were stabbed multiple times in unprovoked attacks in New York City by a suspect who police believe was suffering from severe mental health issues.

The unidentified 51-year-old suspect committed three separate stabbings on Monday morning, beginning at 8:22 a.m. at 19th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, when he attacked a 36-year-old construction worker with a kitchen knife, New York police Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said during a news conference.

The man then attacked a 68-year-old man who was fishing, stabbing him with a kitchen knife multiple times at 10:27 a.m. at 500 East 30th Street and the East River, according to Kenny.

Both stabbing victims were taken to Bellevue Hospital and died from their injuries before the suspect went on to attack a woman a half-hour later, Kenny said.

"This is a clear example of the criminal justice system and the mental health system that continues to fail New Yorkers," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said during the news conference. "It is troubling that we're standing here today on a day that brings a great level of difficulty and pain to this city."

Suspect caught with bloody kitchen knives, clothes

The final attack happened at 10:55 a.m. at 42nd Street and First Avenue by the United Nations headquarters, according to Kenny. The victim was a 36-year-old woman who was stabbed multiple times, he added.

The woman was taken to Cornell Medical Center, where she was in critical condition as of Monday afternoon, Kenny said.

A short time after that stabbing, a cab driver called the police about a reported robbery that occurred near the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations, the chief said. Officers took the man into custody and they recovered "two large kitchen knives that were covered in blood," according to Kenny, who added that the suspect's clothes were also bloodstained.

The suspect appears to be unhoused with eight prior arrests, including his last one for grand larceny in October, Kenny said.

Mayor Eric Adams: 'Our heart goes out to the families'

Adams said police are not looking for additional suspects, and that he and other New York officials are mourning with the families of the stabbing victims.

"Our heart goes out to the families," Adams told reporters. "Goes out to other New Yorkers who observed such a terrible action, we will keep them in our prayers."

In addition to sending condolences, Adams spoke about how the suspect was sentenced a few months ago and that questions remain concerning his release.

"There's a real question on why he was on the street," the mayor said. "He has some severe mental health issues that should have been examined."

Based on surveillance video, the suspect appeared to be traveling on foot with the kitchen knives visibly out during the time of the attacks, according to Kenny.