Landlord charged with murder, victims ID'd in stabbings of 2 tenants, girlfriend in Queens

ST. ALBANS, Queens (WABC) -- A 54-year-old landlord is now facing charges in the fatal stabbings of his girlfriend and two of his tenants inside a home in Queens.

Police say David Daniel confessed to the stabbings and is charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

On Wednesday, when reporters asked him why he did it, he responded, "a lot of pressure."

Moments later he added, "peer pressure."
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Officials say the victims, two women, 51-year-old Coleen Fields and 55-year-old Evette Sweeney, and one man, 57-year-old Wayne Thomas, were found inside the home on Milburn Street at around 7:15 a.m. Tuesday after Daniel told police he "did something bad."

They were pronounced dead at the scene of apparent stab wounds.



The killings of the tenants appear to stem from a rent dispute that dates back to the coronavirus pandemic, although some rent appears to have been paid during that time. Police say Daniel indicated he was having problems with his girlfriend.

Authorities found the two tenants in a basement bedroom and the suspect's girlfriend in a bedroom upstairs.

The landlord then turned himself into the 113th precinct.
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"Earlier this morning, a 54-year-old man walked into the 113th precinct, stating to uniformed police officers that he was having issues with his tenants, the officer inquired further, and the male stated further that he did something bad," NYPD Assistant Chief Kevin Williams said on Tuesday.

Police say his statements were captured on body camera and were devoid of emotion. Daniel was charged with the crimes early Wednesday morning.

Authorities said only adults were in the home and there were not any children. The single-family home has a finished basement and authorities said it appeared to be well-kept.



Neighbors told Eyewitness News that the landlord and tenants were courteous but often kept to themselves.
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The identity of the victims have not yet been released.

ALSO READ | Thousands of NYCHA apartments sit empty as wait continues for potential tenants




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