Midtown Stabbing Murder Suspect Believed To Be Dead

Photograph of stabbing suspect from the NYPD

The man suspected of fatally stabbing a man outside the midtown's James Farley Post Office on Sunday afternoon was apparently found dead at his girlfriend's apartment yesterday. The police had identified the suspect as Sir'mone McCaulla, 28, yesterday morning and police think his body was found in a Philadelphia apartment hours later.

NYPD photo of Sir'mone McCaulla

The Daily News reports, "NYPD detectives rushed to Philadelphia, where the body of a man thought to be Sir'mone McCaulla, 28, was found in his ex-girlfriend's apartment, slumped in a tub with a plastic bag over his head. Sources said a television cable box was found on his chest, suggesting he electrocuted himself. A relative of McCaulla said the family was told he was dead - but NYPD cops said they were still investigating. A Philly source, however, said authorities believe the body is McCaulla's."

Sunday's violent incident shocked many, since it happened in broad daylight on busy Eight Avenue near 33rd Street, across the street from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. Christopher Gutierrez, 20, had apparently bumped into McCaulla and the pair got into a fight, based on surveillance video. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly described, "The victim takes his coat off, looking like they're going to have a fistfight. Indeed, the victim assumes a stance like a fighter... The perpetrator does something of a similar nature, but has something down by his side, which turned out to be a knife." Then McCaulla lunged at Gutierrez, stabbing him a few times. McCaulla initially walked away but then returned to pick up his cellphone.

A German tourist managed to take photographs of McCaulla, which the NYPD then shared with the public. It turned out that another police officer recognized McCaulla from army service in Kuwait. The Post adds, "Army officials were unable to provide detailed information on McCaulla's service. In late 2008, he passed the FDNY exam and is on the waiting list. He worked as a FedEx deliveryman in The Bronx as recently as April, but was fired for allegedly stealing packages, according to court records. McCaulla had two other arrests, for robbery and assault."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on September 30, 2009 7:57 AM

Comments [rss]

stenro

The Army part is a good tell. Think about it- he was smart and calm enough to go back for his cell phone after killing the other guy. The military is great for training on how to kill another human being and to be aware of your surroundings.

Tax dollars at work!

bts220

Damn WHITE Kids STop the Violence ALready

Spirit of 76

The conspiracy theorists need to relax and think. If McCaulla wasn't the perp, why would he kill himself? Just because a cop IDed him? He wouldn't even know that he was a suspect, since NYPD never released a name. And he could probably provide at least a weak alibi if he was innocent. He has a record of violence. It's almost 100% certain that he did it.

akachris

I think there is some factual error in the story as it reads, "...was apparently found dead outside his girlfriend's apartment yesterday".

And then goes onto say, "...was found in his ex-girlfriend's apartment, slumped in a tub with a plastic bag over his head."

He was found either inside or outside the girlfriend's apartment, not both.

nyorker555

folks look VERY different in a side profile versus front so I'd be careful saying this is the wrong person. The US Army bag ties it in. Given that he offed himself and after running away, the obvious conclusion is the right one.

ed_Extinct

...and may he burn in hell for all eternity.

sexisicilian

Exactly 2 lives gone for nothing!!

Rocknrope

You're allowed into the FDNY even if you have a prior arrest record?

kane

You're allowed into the NYPD with a prior arrest record, as long as it's for a felony.

http://mynypd.hodes.com/NYPD_ExamandEmploymentRequirements.aspx

kane

Oops. Should read as long as it's NOT for a felony.

Roger McDowell

Isn't the Army issued book bag a good starting point? I'm pretty sure the cable box got his man.

fixer

jeez, what a waste all around. both of these people were alive sunday morning! thank god no one else was hurt - that german tourist had some real balls pointing a camera in this guy's direction after he just assaulted somebody.

ProcedureTurn

Good riddence. We dont need ppl like this in society. He also has a checked past, it seems.

To those who doubt, you may be fooled by the two differnt perspectives. To me it appears to be the same person.

miked1116

I don't think that's the same person. In addition to the cheek bones and ears, the mug shot shows a thicker neck and more pronounced jaws. Eyebrows are totally different too. Seems fishy to me. Until they produce the backpack/tshirt/pants, I don't believe it.

dwayno

agreed! the real killer is prob still at large thinking he just got the best break of his life.

books

I know he violently murdered someone but I feel bad for him - who knows who escalated the fight - maybe the 20 year old was acting all threatening and he was defending himself. It all went wrong, and now they are both dead, over what?

sexisicilian

Exactly 2 lives gone for nothing!!

jessecal

It's just Mother Nature improving the American gene pool. . .

To continue this trend-

all 'anger management' courses should be discontinued-

and 6" switchblade knives issued to wold-be participants!

Oh yesssss!!

Splicer

I can understand your point of view and agree with it for the most part. I just don't understand what is in people that can't simply walk away.