Police: Suspect Arrested In Staten Island Stabbing That Left Mother, 2 Daughters Dead, 3rd Child Hurt

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A man accused of murdering a mother and two of her three daughters at a Staten Island hotel has been arrested, police said Saturday.

Michael Sykes, 25, is charged with murder, attempted murder and robbery in connection with the deaths of 26-year-old Rebecca Cutler, 1-year-old Ziana Cutler and 4-month-old Maiyah Sykes, police said.

Sources said Sykes was captured Saturday at 4 p.m. at a friend's home on 31st Avenue in Queens. Cops had received tips that he was seen in the area and took him into custody after arriving at the residence, sources said.

Police said Sykes stabbed Cutler along with their daughter, Maliyah, and Cutler's other two daughters, Ziana and 2-year-old Miracle. Only Miracle survived.

Police swarmed the hotel on North Gannon Avenue after a housekeeper found the mother and children. Police said they recovered a knife at the scene.

Investigators said Sykes called his mother to say he had killed his girlfriend and was going to kill himself. After the incident, police said he got on a bus and took it to the Staten Island ferry.

Investigators said Sykes thought Cutler was talking to an ex-boyfriend and stole her cellphone during an argument one day before the murders, CBS2's Brian Conybeare reported.

Mayor Bill De Blasio issued a statement Saturday commending law enforcement for their efforts.

"Thanks goes to the hard-working officers of the NYPD for bringing Mr. Sykes into custody. The judicial process can now begin to run its course. I hope the family members of the young mother and her small children can find some amount of closure in knowing he has been apprehended," he said in a statement.

Cutler had been living in the hotel since December as part of the Department of Homeless Services shelter system, authorities said.

Officials said the remaining hotels that have contracts with DHS will be provided extra security from the city.