Man Killed Mother, Stabbed Father During Argument Over Footwear

A man from Brooklyn, New York, killed his mother and stabbed his father with a knife during a disagreement over footwear.

The incident came to light Saturday evening after the elderly couple’s son-in-law, who was worried after he couldn’t reach them, climbed through the window and saw them lying in a pool of blood inside the apartment. He immediately alerted the police. Maria Rodriguez, 77, was pronounced dead on the scene, while her husband, 87-year-old Oscar Rodriguez, was seriously injured. Oscar told the responding officers the couple was attacked by their son, 55-year-old Oscar Rodriguez Jr.

Rodriguez Jr. was taken into custody Saturday night after police received an unrelated call about an “emotionally disturbed” man walking around. Police said they initially did not know the person was related to the stabbing incident and took him to the psychiatric unit of a nearby hospital.

A police source told the New York Post on Sunday that an argument ensued between the suspect and his father late Friday when Rodriguez asked his son why he wasn’t wearing footwear after the latter returned home barefoot. In a fit of rage, Rodriguez Jr. stabbed his father in the arms and chest. He then went on to stab his mother when she tried to break up the fight.

A neighbor said the suspect has had issues with his mother in the past.

“They did not get along. I am shocked she’s gone. It’s horrible,” the neighbor said.

Speaking to the New York Daily News, a relative of Oscar said he suffered from an illness and was using a wheelchair while his son had mental health issues.

“It was a surprise to us. I really would have never expected this to happen,” the unnamed woman said, adding about Rodriguez, “He was a great man, a very respectable man, worked very hard ... he was a good father, husband, and worker.”

Describing Maria as a friendly and kind woman, a neighbor said, “I used to see her every morning feeding the birds. She was a beautiful lady. She was a good neighbor... If you think about it, it could have been your grandfather or grandmother. It’s sad it happened so close to me.”

Another neighbor said, “She always spoke to everybody and the husband, too. She would always wave at you really friendly.”

Rodriguez Jr. was not charged with a crime as of Sunday and remained in the psychiatric unit. A police source said officials were yet to speak to the suspect as the hospital was not cooperating with them.