Teen Neighbor Charged With Stabbing Hoarders in Olney Home
By Jim Melwert and Jan Carabeo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with yesterday's double stabbing in the Olney section of the city (see related story).
Police say suspect Anthony Waters lives across the street, and they say he was hosing blood off one the victims when officers arrived on the scene.
They believe Waters entered the home from a back door that had been propped open by a box of kittens, stabbing the 71-year-old female homeowner and her 54-year-old male roommate multiple times.
Investigators say Waters had planned to steal the woman's car keys so he could sell her car, but he stabbed the pair when they caught him in the home.
CBS 3 sources say Waters has made a full confession.
Sources also say the teenager had victimized his neighbors in the past, including taunting them, throwing rocks and punching the 71-year-old woman in the face.
The incident happened Wednesday around 4:30 a.m., in the 5900 block of North Fourth Street, near Nedro Avenue.
Waters' mother choked back tears on Thursday while speaking about her son. She says she feared he would one day find himself in trouble with the law.
"I prayed that he would stop taking those pills," Lisa Waters said. "I would rather see him in jail but not for something like this."
Police say the investigation was hampered by piles and piles of debris in the home, with only narrow paths to get through.
Authorities say there were over a dozen cats living in the home. The SPCA was called to take the cats.
Waters is charged with attempted murder, aggravated and simple assault, robbery, burglary, theft, and related crimes.
Meanwhile, police say the victims are no longer in critical condition and have spoken with police.
"It's a series of events that should not have happened, but fortunately these two individuals, their conditions have been upgraded," Lt. John Stanford said.