NEW YORK – The man behind several fatal stabbings is now under arrest after a violent spree in New York City, police said on Monday.
Authorities have pointed out that Roland Codrington is the suspected killer behind several stabbings that killed two men.
He was arrested and charged after a citywide manhunt on Christmas Eve.
While the NYPD has said their investigation is not complete, they added that they have linked him to three incidents and are now wondering if he could be responsible for more.
“We are looking into all the stabbings across the city to see if he has committed any more,” NYPD Chief Detective James Essig said at the latest press conference.
The uniformed woman said the 35-year-old man has a long criminal history that includes 12 arrests. Detectives say their most recent crime spree began on December 19 Hail A almost 13th street.
Police believe it was around 1am that day when a 51-year-old man and Codrington clashed outside a convenience store, escalating into a 20-second brawl. Police say Cordington then cut the victim on the neck, killing him.
According to Essig, the two men did not know each other.
The chief detective also said surveillance footage showed Codrington with a woman. Subsequently, three days later, she is with him on filming at Teddy’s East Harlem bar, a nightclub near Codrington’s apartment.
Police added that on Dec. 22, Cordington walked in with a pit bull and a bat allegedly distraught over feeling disrespected the previous week.
“He went behind the bar where the bartender sells and destroyed the property. When two customers intervened, they were both stabbed with a large knife,” Essig said.
However, police clarified that Codrington was not finished and allegedly stabbed a 61-year-old pediatrician identified as Bruce Henry the next day, December 23, inside Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park. He died near the watchtower.
According to police, the park is where Codrington went to freshen up after the bar fight.
Investigators told our sister chain News 4 New York that men did not know each other.
The three incidents were linked after police saw Codrington and his girlfriend in the doctor’s Benz, according to police.
“While we applaud the great work of our officers, our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the victims who have fallen prey to this predator.”
Police are yet to identify the victim outside the convenience store. They also didn’t mention Codrington’s girlfriend. However, they say she doesn’t face any charges so far.
