Philadelphia — What was meant to be an ordinary afternoon in the Nicetown neighborhood turned into a nightmare for a local family and a community now searching for answers. On December 5, emergency crews found 93-year-old Lafayette Dailey unresponsive inside his home on the 4500 block of North 16th Street, and hours later officials confirmed he had died from multiple stab wounds. His death has since been ruled a homicide, and police now say they have identified a suspect believed to be responsible.
Officers first arrived at Dailey’s home shortly before 3 p.m. after receiving a call for assistance. Medical personnel on scene pronounced the longtime resident dead. Detectives from the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit immediately launched an investigation amid what neighbors described as shocking news in a tightly knit corner of North Philadelphia.
The post-mortem examination clarified that Dailey succumbed to multiple stab wounds, with significant trauma to his chest and head. That finding prompted investigators to treat the case with the utmost seriousness, knowing a violent act against someone of such advanced age would deeply trouble the community.
Detectives quickly noticed that several key personal items were missing from the Dailey residence, including his wallet, car keys and his 2007 Chrysler 300. The absence of these belongings suggested the possibility that whoever was responsible had taken items from the home after the attack. After several days of searching, police announced they had located the missing vehicle, a discovery that helped them piece together parts of the timeline surrounding Dailey’s last known movements.
Through witness interviews, evidence collection and additional investigative work, authorities identified 53-year-old Coy Thomas as the individual they believe is connected to Dailey’s death. Thomas’s last known address is in the Philadelphia area, though police have not yet made an arrest and continue to seek his whereabouts. Officials have refrained from releasing further details about his background or any potential motive, saying the case remains active and certain information must stay confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Philadelphia Police are urging anyone who may have seen Thomas recently, or who has information that could help locate him, to step forward. Tips can be submitted directly to the Homicide Unit or anonymously via the department’s tip line. Authorities stressed that community involvement often plays a crucial role in resolving cases like this and bringing closure to grieving families.
Neighbors and local leaders have expressed profound shock and sadness in the aftermath of Dailey’s death, particularly given his age and long-standing presence in the community. Many residents say that crimes against the elderly strike a deep emotional chord and have urged those with even the smallest piece of information to assist police. As the investigation continues, the Philadelphia Police Department has pledged to provide updates when appropriate, while withholding specific details that could undermine the search for Thomas.
The post “Philadelphia Authorities Hunt 53-Year-Old Coy Thomas After 93-Year-Old Lafayette Dailey Stabbed to Death” appeared first on Tripplenews.
