Indian-American man allegedly stabs his father to death at their house in New Jersey

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A 32-year-old Indian-American resident of Paramus, New Jersey, Melvin Thomas, was arrested on February 16, 2024, two days after he allegedly murdered his 61-year-old father, Manuel Thomas, at their house.

A press release from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office said that upon reaching the scene, officers discovered the victim Manuel Thomas in the basement of their house. He had suffered from numerous stab wounds and was declared dead at the scene. Following the discovery, the police apprehended the suspect Melvin Thomas and took him into custody.

In the press release, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said Thomas was arrested on charges of murder, desecration of human remains, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a weapon, and hindering.

 Citing court documents, a report in NorthJersey.com, said, “After the stabbing, Thomas [the accused] moved the body to a nearby bathroom in the home, and tried to use a lighter to set it on fire.”

When his attempt to burn his father’s body with a lighter failed, the documents further revealed that “Thomas [the accused] then proceeded to clean the kitchen knife and clean up several areas of the home in an attempt to conceal the crime.”

The deceased is survived by three children including the accused. The names of his other children are Levin Thomas and Ashley Thomas. His wife, Lissy Thomas, died in March 2021.

The accused has been detained at the Bergen County Jail and is awaiting court appearance at the Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ.