70-Year-Old Deacon Stabbed To Death At Transitional Home On Long Island

ROOSEVELT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – Police are searching for a man they say fatally stabbed a 70-year-old deacon at a transitional home on Long Island.

Deacon Patrick Logsdon, who ran the Anthony House for recovering addicts and men fresh from prison in Roosevelt, was stabbed multiple times Friday night, police said.

Investigators believe Logsdon knew his killer, CBS2's Dave Carlin reported.

Police said they are searching for 47-year-old Andre Patton, who's believed to be armed and dangerous.

"We have a witness that had him in the residence and that witness has identified him as the subject," Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said.

It's unclear what sparked the violence.

Neighbors told Carlin the deacon ran the home that's associated with the Diocese of Rockville Centre for decades and they're angry his longstanding generosity and trust may be what ultimately cost him his life.

"He was just a nice guy. He left his door open for people that didn't have places to go," one woman said.

"We have to be careful," another added. "You can't be too nice."

The Anthony House's website shows tidy rooms promising a safe, supportive environment. But the search for the suspect has shattered that sense of security for the home and the surrounding community.

Anyone with information about the stabbing is asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.