PARAMUS, N.J. (TCD) — A 32-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges last week for allegedly stabbing his father to death with a kitchen knife, then attempting to light the body on fire to cover it up.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, on Friday, Feb. 16, at around 5:40 p.m., Paramus Police Department officers were called to a residence on Bruce Drive regarding a possible homicide. When they arrived, they found 61-year-old Manuel Thomas inside the basement with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators identified Manuel Thomas’ son, Melvin Thomas, as the primary suspect in the case and arrested him the same day on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, second-degree hindering, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree possession of a weapon.
The arrest affidavit cited by NJ.com says Melvin Thomas admitted to police that he killed his father on Wednesday, Feb. 14. After the stabbing, he allegedly moved Manuel Thomas’ body to a bathroom and tried to set him on fire with a lighter. However, he was unsuccessful.
Afterward, Melvin Thomas reportedly cleaned the house and the kitchen knife “in an attempt to conceal the crime.”
Bergen County Jail records show he is being held without bond.
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