Authorities: Suspect Arraigned In Fatal Staten Island Stabbing
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A man facing murder, robbery and endangerment charges in in connection to the fatal stabbing of a woman and two children in a hotel in Staten Island was arraigned in court Sunday afternoon.
Michael Sykes, 25, is charged with murder, attempted murder and robbery in connection with the deaths of 26-year-old Rebecca Cutler, 1-year-old Ziana Cutler and 4-month-old Mailyah Sykes, police said. A third child, Miracle, 2, was wounded, but survived.
Police swarmed the Ramada Inn hotel on North Gannon Avenue on Wednesday after a housekeeper found the mother and children. Police said they recovered a knife at the scene.
Sykes was seen entering Cutler's room at around 8:50 a.m. and leaving at around 8:54 a.m. He then got on the Staten Island Ferry, officials said.
Cutler had been living in the hotel since December as part of the Department of Homeless Services shelter system, authorities said. Sykes is Maliyah's father.
Sykes was captured Saturday at 4 p.m. at a friend's home on 31st Avenue in Queens. Cops had received tips that he was seen in the area and took him into custody after arriving at the residence, sources said.
Sykes has no prior criminal record or history of psychological problems, officials said.
Sykes pleaded not guilty in Staten Island Criminal Court and was remanded to Rikers Island, officials said. Sykes faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, assault, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal possession of a weapon.
"The heinous and violent nature of this tragic crime make it a top priority for my office. The public should be assured that my staff intends to vigorously prosecute the case against this murderer," District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said in a statement Sunday.
Sykes is expected to return to court on Feb. 16.