Suspect arrested in murder of elderly Brooklyn man inside elevator, woman's slashing
BOERUM HILL, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A suspect was arrested Monday in connection to the murder of an elderly man and the slashing of a woman in Brooklyn over the weekend.
Joevani Vale, 26, allegedly slashed a 31-year-old woman in her right leg around 1:30 p.m. Saturday on Nevins Street in Boerum Hill. She was taken to Methodist Hospital in stable condition.
But then, just an hour later, Vale is accused of going into the Wyckoff Gardens apartment building on Nevins Street and stabbing an 83-year-old man to death.
Ramon Cintron was found stabbed to death in an elevator.
Vale was arrested at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn Monday afternoon after he admitted himself to the hospital for psychiatric issues. Charges against him are pending.
Angel Cintron Junior is Ramon's nephew who said his uncle was recently released from the hospital due to complications from a pacemaker.
"Always someone that was an entertainer," Angel said. "He was just naturally funny."
Angel said his uncle went to a nearby bodega to play the numbers after he was released from the hospital.
"That's where I hear the suspect or the guy they think killed him first saw him," Angel said.
Vale was described as wearing a dark hoodie, ball cap and black sweats. Surveillance video caught a glimpse of him in what appeared to be a stairwell.
It's out of the blue a neighbor at that," Angel said. "A neighbor at that. Somebody he had seen previously possibly even said hello to who knows."
Other residents at Wycoff Gardens said Ramon was well-known and loved a good celebration. From his birthday back in November- to putting up Christmas decorations that still adorn the building's hallways. Neighbors feel robbed of the joy he brought to so many.
"He was just a loving guy," friend Robert Crispin said. "You expect being 80-something years old he would die from natural causes, not waking up or in the hospital. Not going home."
Police are investigating an incident that occurred about an hour before the first a few blocks away to see if it may also be connected to Vale.
In this incident, a 47-year-old woman stated that an unknown individual followed her and then punched her in the shoulder at Pacific Street and 3rd Avenue around 12:50 p.m. She refused medical attention, and the attacker fled on foot.
Vale has three prior arrests for assault in 2020, forcible touching in 2016, and public lewdness in 2015.
Neighbors say Vale lived with family in the same building as Ramon.
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