Trevor Kapp and Wil Cruz
DNAinfo Staff
BRONX — A wheelchair-bound man who neighbors described as generous, was found stabbed to death in his South Bronx apartment Monday, police and heartbroken neighbors said.
The victim, 63 — who was disabled because of an amputated left leg, according to neighbors — was found on the sofa of his apartment at the Patterson Houses on East 143rd Street, with multiple stab wounds to his body, police said.
"It was shock," said Tihesha Coleman, 39, a home attendant who lives in the building.
Cops discovered the man's body about 3 p.m., police said. A spokeswoman for the city medical examiner said the victim had multiple stab wounds to the head, neck and torso.
The death was ruled a homicide, she said.
He has not been identified pending family notification.
Distraught neighbors on Tuesday said man — whose wheelchair was decorated with umbrellas and ornaments — was always giving presents to those who lived around him.
"I loved that man. He was a beautiful person," said Cecilia Rodriguez, 71, who said she knew the victim for 12 years. "In fact, he gave me a plasma TV for my birthday in February."
Rodriguez said she saw the man Friday on his way to church.
"He said, 'Pray for me,'" Rodriguez said. "That was the last time I saw him."
Coleman said the victim may have been too trusting.
"He'd always leave his door open," he said. "It's not a good idea."
No one has been arrested.
