Police: Suspect In Deadly West Nyack Stabbing Answered Victim's Ad On Craigslist
WEST NYACK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A 19-year-old man charged with 2nd degree murder in the fatal stabbing of another man inside his West Nyack home met the victim after responding to an ad on Craigslist, police said Thursday.
Dylan Lentini answered an ad for a roommate that had been posted by the victim, 66-year-old Michael Wimbert, police said.
The two met on Nov. 27 after Lentini made arrangements to be picked up by Wimbert at the White Plains train station, police said. Prior to that, police said, there was no relationship between the two.
"You're entering into a social relationship with a stranger. You always have to have your guard up," Sgt. Glenn Cummings, of the Clarkstown Police Department, said.
Officers responded to Wimbert's home on Demarest Avenue early Tuesday morning after getting a call about a man who ran out of the house yelling "call 911," police said.
"The caller did call 911 and gave the dispatcher the description of the young man that had ran out of the home," Clarkstown Police Public Information Officer Peter Walker told 1010 WINS.
Once inside, police said they found Wimbert unresponsive with stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Timothy Englert is stunned Wimbert, his trusted friend, was murdered.
"Maybe he needed somebody in his life to share his expenses and maybe offer some companionship like roommates do everyday," Englert said.
Lentini told police he was living at the Covenant House Shelter in Manhattan, CBS2's Brian Conybeare reported.
Lentini was taken into custody for questioning and was later arrested.
If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison.
A warning is now posted on Craigslist reading 'be careful who you let in to your home.'
Police recommend vetting someone first, before meeting up with them.
